Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) - Other Treatment

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Exercises are used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). These exercises help the particles in the semicircular canals of your inner ear move around, so that they don't cause vertigo. Although the exercises usually stop the vertigo for months or years, the problem may return and cause your symptoms to come back.

Other Treatment Choices

Exercises that may be used to treat BPPV include:

Epley maneuver and Semont maneuver. Theseexercises often cure BPPV by moving the particles in your inner ear so thatthey do not affect your balance. During these exercises, your doctor will helpyou hold your head in a series of positions. Often, one treatment is enough.You may be taught to do these exercises on your own at home.
Brandt-Daroff exercise. This exercise may be tried ifthe Epley or Semont maneuvers do not work. During this exercise, youwill repeatedly go from a sitting position to a lying position until thevertigo stops. This exercise may help speed your brain's ability to adjust tothe conflicting balance signals it is getting. You need to do these exercisesseveral times a day for weeks for them to work.

What To Think About

These exercises can get rid of BPPV symptoms. The Epley and Semont maneuvers usually are more comfortable than the Brandt-Daroff exercise, and they work faster-in one or two treatments rather than being repeated several times a day for weeks. So these maneuvers have become the first line of treatment.¹

Other Places To Get Help

By:	Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: December 30, 2009
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology

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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) - Other Treatment

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Other Treatment Choices

What To Think About