Key Points about Epley Maneuver
- The Epley maneuver is a safe and effective treatment used to relieve symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- During the procedure, your doctor will move your head in a variety of positions to reposition the crystals in your ears.
- By repositioning the crystals in your ear, patients experience symptom relief from dizziness or nausea associated with BPPV.
- Your doctor will instruct you to keep your head as still as possible after the procedure to prevent the crystals from dislodging and your symptoms from returning.
Overview
An Epley maneuver is a series of movements used to relieve symptoms of BPPV.
During the Epley maneuver, your doctor will use movements to reposition crystals in your ear that may be causing dizziness and nausea.
Most people experience long-term and short-term symptom relief from the therapy.
Candidates for the Epley maneuver
Your doctor may perform the Epley maneuver to help patients who are experiencing dizziness and nausea associated with BPPV.
Generally, the Epley maneuver is not recommended for patients who have vertigo from other conditions, such as migraines, ear infections, anemia, or a cerebellar stroke.
Once you have seen the Epley maneuver performed by a doctor, you can perform it at home to relieve your symptoms.
Risks associated with the Epley maneuver
The Epley Maneuver is a generally safe procedure with few or no risks.
What to expect during the Epley maneuver
During the Epley maneuver, your doctor will perform the following steps:
- Instruct you to extend your legs out in front of you, while you sit on an exam table.
- Forcefully push you back to the table so that your shoulder blades touch the table.
- Position your head to face the affected side of your body. Your head will be positioned at a 30-degree angle and lifted slightly off the table.
- Your doctor will hold your head in this position for up to two minutes or until your dizziness subsides.
- Move your head in the other direction until it is 30 degrees away from the table and hold you in place for up to two minutes or until dizziness stops.
- Roll you on the affected side so the side where you are experiencing the worst vertigo - is facing upward and holds it in position for up to two minutes.
- Resume seated position.
- Repeat the process as many as three times until your dizziness subsides.
Recovery after the Epley maneuver
Your doctor will outline specific instructions after the Epley Maneuver.
Instructions may include:
- Avoid movements that could dislodge the crystals in the ear. Moving or lying down too quickly, or tilting your head back and forth may dislodge the crystals and symptoms may reappear.
- Sleep with two or more pillows to tilt your head to a 45-degree angle.
- Wear a soft collar to keep your head still.