Studies show that the Epley maneuver is effective for dizziness.It's a condition where pieces of calcium break free and float around in your ear, causing you to feel unwell.These pieces can be moved out of your inner ear with the help of the Epley maneuver.The Epley maneuver can be performed on you by your healthcare provider.If your doctor says it's okay, you may be able to do it at home.
Step 1: If this is your first Epley maneuver, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
If you have recently been diagnosed with bppv and are experiencing dizziness, you should go to a doctor who can perform the Epley maneuver.The only person who should do this is a doctor or therapist.If your symptoms return in the future, they will teach you how to perform it on your own.
Step 2: It's important to have the maneuver done by a doctor before you try it yourself.
Going through the process with a doctor first will help you understand what it feels like to have the procedure done correctly, while you can do the maneuver at home.Trying to live at home without any context can make your symptoms worse.If you already know how to do it correctly, you can use method two to refresh your memory.
Step 3: The first step of the maneuver will cause you to feel unwell.
You will be seated on the edge of a table or bed by the doctor.Your doctor will place one hand on each side of your head and move it 45 degrees to the right.She will lie you down on the table to keep your head in the 45 degree angle to the right.Your doctor wants you to remain in this position for 30 seconds.If you have a pillow behind your back, your head will not be on the table.The goal is to have your head lower than the rest of your body when you lie down.
Step 4: The doctor will be rotating your head again.
She will turn your head so that it is facing to the left while you remain in the position she placed you in.You should pay attention to your feelings of dizziness.After 30 seconds in this new position, these will most likely stop.
Step 5: Roll on your side.
The doctor will ask you to roll onto your left side, while she rotates your head to the right.Imagine that you are lying on the right side of the bed, but your face is pointing down.You will hold this position for 30 seconds.Check the rotation side and nose direction.If your doctor determines the problem is on the right, they will move your body and head to the left.
Step 6: Return to a chair.
Your doctor will lift you into a sitting position after 30 seconds.This maneuver can be repeated until you are no longer having dizziness.It can take more than one maneuver to get your inner ear crystals back into their proper places.The same procedure should be performed on the left side.
Step 7: After the maneuver is done, allow yourself to heal.
You will most likely be told to wear a soft neck brace for the rest of the day after your appointment with the doctor.Instructions on how to sleep and move around will be given to you by your doctor.Part 3 of the article covers these instructions.
Step 8: The maneuver can be performed at home.
If you have a clear diagnosis from your doctor, you should only perform the maneuver at home.The maneuver should only be done by a doctor if there is a chance that your vertigo is caused by something else.The doctor's maneuver is almost the same as the one you will do at home, but there will be some slight adjustments.If you have had a recent neck injury or have a history of stroke, you should not do the Epley maneuver at home.
Step 9: The pillow should be in the right position.
If you put a pillow on your bed, your head will be lower than the rest of your body when you lie down.Turn your head to the right when you sit on the bed.If you can, ask someone to be with you while you do this.You will have to remain in each position for 30 seconds if you have someone keep time for you.
Step 10: Lie down and move quickly.
If your head is still rotating 45 degrees to the left, lie back and make sure the pillow is under your shoulders.The bed is where your head should be resting.Keep your head at the 45 degree angle.Wait for 30 seconds.
Step 11: Move your head to the left.
When you are lying down, turn your head 90 degrees to the left.If you lift your head, you may have to start the maneuver over.For 30 seconds, stay in this position.
Step 12: You should shift your whole body to the left.
If you are lying on your right side, move your body so that you face the left.Your nose should be touching the bed if you are facing down.You head will be turned more than your body.
Step 13: Sit up and hold the last position.
In the last position, lying on your right side with your head facing down, make sure your nose touches the bed.Sit up after the 30 seconds are up.You can repeat the self-maneuver 3 to 4 times a day until you don't feel any dizziness.The same exercise can be done on the left side with the sides reversed.
Step 14: Just before bed is a good time to perform the maneuver.
If it is your first time doing the Epley maneuver on yourself, it's a good idea to do it before bed.If something goes wrong, you can sleep it off, as opposed to having it have a negative impact on your day.If you practice the maneuver and feel comfortable doing it on your own, you can do it at any time during the day.
Step 15: Wait for 10 minutes to leave the doctor's office.
It's important to wait so that the debris in your ear settles before you shake it up again.After leaving the doctor's office and performing the maneuver on yourself, this will help to avoid any symptoms of vertigo.After about 10 minutes, the debris should be cleared and you are free to continue with your day.
Step 16: For the rest of the day, wear a soft collar.
A soft neck brace, also known as a soft collar, will be given to you after the doctor performs the maneuver on you.The collar will help to control head movements so that you don't accidentally move your head in a way that makes your inner ear crystals get out of place again.
Step 17: In a mostly upright position, sleep with your head and shoulders.
You should sleep at a 45 degree angle after the maneuver is done.If you want to do this, you can prop yourself up with pillows or sleep in a reclining chair.
Step 18: During the day, keep your head vertical.
Keeping your neck straight is what this means.Do not go to the dentist or hairdresser if they tilt your head backwards.You shouldn't do exercises where your head moves a lot.You shouldn't tilt your head back more than 30 degrees.You don't have to tilt your head back when you shower if you position yourself under the shower head.Don't tilt your head to shave if you are a man who needs to.For at least one week after the Epley maneuver has been performed, avoid any other positions.
Step 19: Take the results and test them.
Try an experiment if you can cause yourself to experience dizziness again by assuming one of the positions that may have triggered it.If the maneuver was a success, you shouldn't experience dizziness at this time.It may return again down the road, but the Epley maneuver is highly successful and serves as a temporary cure for about 90% of people.