Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Other Treatment

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Other Treatment

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 affect your balance. 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:

• Semont maneuver and modified Epley maneuver. These exercises often cure BPPV by moving the particles in your inner ear so that they do not affect your balance. During these exercises, your health professional will help you 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 may be tried if the Semont or modified Epley maneuvers do not work. During this exercise, you will repeatedly go from a sitting position to a lying position until the vertigo stops. This exercise may help speed your brain's ability to adjust to the conflicting balance signals it is getting. You need to do these exercises several times a day for weeks for them to work.

What To Think About

These exercises can eliminate symptoms of BPPV, and they have about the same success rates. The Semont and modified Epley 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. Therefore, these maneuvers have become the first line of treatment.¹

Last updated:	January 29, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC