Vestibular Exercises

About this topic

A condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV, can cause dizziness. Inside of your inner ear, you have fluid. Small crystals float in the fluid. With this problem, the crystals get stuck in the inner ear. When you move your head, you may have more signs. Sometimes, special exercises can help move the crystals and make this problem better. Always ask your doctor before you do any exercises. Your doctor or a physical therapist can help you find the best exercises for your problem. ‚

General

Some of these exercises could make your problems worse at first.
Ask your doctor or physical therapist how often and how long you should do these exercises. These are often done a few times each day until 2 days after the dizziness has ended.
Your doctor or physical therapist may help you do these exercises the first few times you do them to make sure you are doing them right. This will help you learn to do the exercises the right way.

Epley Maneuver: ‚
This is mostly used when there is a diagnosis of a particular side having a problem. ‚
If your right side has a problem: ‚

Have a pillow towards the end of the bed where your feet usually are. Sit with your left side closest to the side of the bed. Sit far enough away from the pillow that it will end up being under your shoulders when you lie back.
- Tilt your head slightly back while doing this exercise.
- Be sure to hold each position for 30 seconds before moving to the next position.
Start sitting up with your legs extended in front of you. Turn your head halfway between looking straight forward and looking over your right shoulder. This is a 45 degree angle. Hold this position.
Lie back quickly with your head in the same position. It is turned halfway to the right and tilted back a little bit. Hold this position.
Now roll your head to the left. Your head should now be tilted back a little bit. It is turned to the left, looking halfway between straight ahead and over your left shoulder. This is a 45 degree angle. Hold this position.
Now roll onto your left shoulder. Your head will be pointed down to the left at a 45 degree angle. Hold this position.
Finish by sitting up on the side of the bed.
Do this 3 times throughout the day.

If your left side has a problem: ‚

Have a pillow towards the end of the bed where your feet usually are. Sit with your right side closest to the side of the bed. Sit far enough away from the pillow that it will end up being under your shoulders when you lie back.
- Tilt your head slightly back while doing this exercise.
- Be sure to hold each position for 30 seconds before moving to the next position.
Start sitting up with your legs extended in front of you. Turn your head halfway between looking straight forward and looking over your left shoulder. This is a 45 degree angle. Hold this position.
Lie back quickly with your head in the same position. It is turned halfway to the left and tilted back a little bit. Hold this position.
Now roll your head to the right. Your head should now be tilted back a little bit. It is turned to the right, looking halfway between straight ahead and over your right shoulder. This is a 45 degree angle. Hold this position.
Now roll onto your right shoulder. Your head will be pointed down to the right at a 45 degree angle. Hold this position.
Finish by sitting up on the side of the bed.
Do this 3 times throughout the day.

Brandt-Daroff Exercises: ‚
This is mostly used when there is not a diagnosis of a particular side having a problem. ‚

Sit at the edge of the bed in the middle of one side.
Now lie down on your right side with your head angled upwards 45 degrees. This is looking halfway between straight ahead and over your right shoulder. Hold this position for 30 seconds or until the dizziness ends.
Sit back up with your head straight and hold that position for 30 seconds.
Now lie down on your left side with your head angled upwards 45 degrees. This is looking halfway between straight ahead and over your left shoulder. Hold this position for 30 seconds or until the dizziness ends.
Sit back up with your head straight and hold that position for 30 seconds.
Repeat these steps 5 times in a row, 3 times per day.

What problems could happen?

Your dizziness does not go away or gets worse
You have a different kind of dizziness
You have more nausea

Where can I learn more?

American Hearing Research Foundation ‚
http://american-hearing.org/disorders/balance-and-vestibular-rehabilitation-therapy/#whatis ‚
Brain & Spine Foundation ‚
http://www.brainandspine.org.uk/vestibular-rehabilitation-exercises ‚
Vestibular Disorders Association ‚
http://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/Vestibular%20Rehabilitation_0.pdf ‚
http://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder/treatment?gclid=CL_82b_e38ECFeVaMgodrmIA6g ‚
http://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorders/treatment/canalith-repositioning-procedure-bppv ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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