Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition that causes short bursts of dizziness, especially when you move your head in certain ways—like when you roll over in bed, look up, or bend down. This happens because tiny crystals in your inner ear, which help you sense gravity, get knocked out of place. When these crystals move into areas they shouldn’t be, they mess with your balance, making you feel like the room is spinning.
Home Exercises for Benign Positional Vertigo: Half Somersault vs. Epley Maneuver
If you’re dealing with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), two exercises can really help ease your symptoms: the Epley maneuver and the newer Half Somersault maneuver. Both techniques are designed to help move those pesky displaced crystals in your inner ear, providing relief from dizziness and vertigo. Let’s dive into how these maneuvers work, when to use them, and how to perform them safely.
When Should You Try These Maneuvers?
Before you give these exercises a shot, it’s important to confirm that your vertigo is indeed caused by BPPV. These maneuvers can be helpful if:
- Your vertigo happens when you change head positions (like rolling over in bed or looking up).
- You’ve been diagnosed with BPPV by a healthcare professional.
However, steer clear of these exercises if:
- You’re experiencing severe headaches, hearing loss, or neck and back issues.
- You have cardiovascular or neurological conditions; it’s best to check in with your healthcare provider first.
The Epley Maneuver
How to Do It:
- Sit upright on a bed with your legs extended in front of you.
- Turn your head 45 degrees toward the side that’s affected.
- Lie back quickly, letting your shoulders rest on the bed and your head hang slightly off the edge. Stay here for 30 seconds.
- Turn your head 90 degrees to the other side. Hold for another 30 seconds.
- Roll your body toward that side, looking down at the floor. Hold for 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up while keeping your head turned.
The Half Somersault Maneuver
How to Do It:
- Kneel on the floor and look up at the ceiling.
- Tuck your chin to your chest and place your head on the floor as if you were about to do a somersault.
- Turn your head 45 degrees toward the affected side. Hold for 30 seconds.
- Quickly raise your head to shoulder level while maintaining the 45-degree turn. Hold for 30 seconds.
- Return to a sitting position and slowly resume your normal posture.
Comparing the Maneuvers
| Aspect | Epley Maneuver | Half Somersault Maneuver |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Slightly more effective in the short term | Better for long-term symptom control |
| Tolerability | Can cause dizziness during the maneuver | Generally better tolerated, less dizziness |
| Ease of Use | Requires lying down | Easier to do on your own |
| Long-term Results | More initial treatment failures | Fewer treatment failures over 6 months |
Understanding Types of Vertigo
- Vertical Vertigo: Feeling like you’re moving up and down.
- Horizontal Vertigo: Spinning sensations from side to side.
- Other Dizziness Types: Lightheadedness, feeling off-balance, or fainting sensations.
Effectiveness of Home Exercises
Both the Epley and Half Somersault maneuvers have shown effectiveness in treating BPPV:
- They can reduce nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) after just a couple of tries.
- The Half Somersault may lead to better long-term results.
FAQs
Can I do the Half Somersault maneuver on my own?
Absolutely! It’s designed for self-administration at home.
How quickly will my vertigo go away after doing these exercises?
You might feel relief within minutes or hours, but sometimes you may need to repeat the exercises over several days.
What if these home exercises don’t help?
If they don’t work, there are other options like in-office maneuvers, medications, physical therapy, or, in rare cases, surgery.
What should I do if these maneuvers make my vertigo worse?
If you notice increased dizziness while performing the exercises, stop right away and reach out to your healthcare provider.
How often should I do these maneuvers?
Follow your healthcare provider’s advice, usually once or twice a day until your symptoms clear up.
Can kids or older adults safely do these maneuvers?
Yes, both exercises can be safely done by children and seniors under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Are there long-term risks with repeated use of these maneuvers?
When done correctly, there typically aren’t significant long-term risks. However, repeated head movements might worsen certain conditions.
How can I tell if my BPPV has resolved after performing the maneuvers?
Your healthcare provider can assess whether the crystals have been properly repositioned and if your symptoms have improved.
Can vertigo come back after successful treatment?
Yes, BPPV can recur, even after successful treatment. If your symptoms return, be sure to contact your provider.
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Originally posted on May 17, 2022 @ 4:38 pm