The Epley Maneuver for Vertigo: What to Expect and How It Works

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition that affects the balance organs in the inner ear, causing brief episodes of dizziness or spinning sensation. The good news is that there are effective treatments available, including the Epley maneuver. In this article, we will explore what you can expect after undergoing the Epley maneuver and how it works to alleviate symptoms of vertigo.

Preparation and Post-Treatment Care

To get the most out of the Epley maneuver, it's essential to follow proper preparation and post-treatment care instructions. These include:

* Sitting upright for the rest of the day

* Avoiding sleeping on the affected side for the next few days

* Dressing comfortably with a non-constricting collar

* Having a pillow handy to place under your shoulders

It's also recommended to perform these exercises at night, preferably in bed, as they can make you feel dizzy afterwards. Make sure to ask your healthcare professional if the exercises are safe for you.

The Epley Maneuver

The Epley maneuver is a series of head movements designed to push calcium crystals out of the semi-circular canals and into the inner ear, where they can be absorbed by the body. This process helps to alleviate symptoms of vertigo by reducing the number of crystals that interfere with motion signals sent to the brain.

Risks and Contraindications

While the Epley maneuver is considered safe, there are some risks and contraindications to be aware of:

* Avoid driving while you still feel dizzy

* May need to avoid the exercise if you have certain problems with your neck, heart, joints, or eyes

* Should not perform the exercise if you've suffered a blow to the head or had surgery in the ear

Why Choose the Epley Maneuver?

The Epley maneuver has several advantages over other treatments for BPPV. Introduced by John Epley in 1980, it is a less invasive method that can be performed at home. Regular use of the exercise makes it a better alternative to one-off procedures used in clinics.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The Epley maneuver is a safe and effective treatment option that can help alleviate symptoms of vertigo. By following proper preparation and post-treatment care instructions, you can get the most out of this exercise and enjoy a life free from dizzy spells.

References:

* The clinical response time of Epley maneuvers for treatment of BPPV: a hospital-based study. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing 2021.

* Efficacy of combined canalith-repositioning procedure and supine to prolonged lateral position in treating posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Lee CJ, Lee CY, Wu PH, Wang CH, Chen HC, Shih CP.

* Risk factors for residual dizziness in patients successfully treated for unilateral benign posterior semicircular canal paroxysmal positional vertigo. Jiang X, He L, Gai Y, Jia C, Li W, Hu S, et al.

* Sémont maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatment: moving in the correct plane matters. Gebhart I, Götting C, Hool SL, Morrison M, Korda A, Caversaccio M, et al.

Epley maneuver for vertigo