If you have ever experienced room-spinning vertigo when lying down, rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending over, you may have heard of a seemingly magical treatment called the Epley maneuver.
It is one of the most well-known treatments for a common cause of vertigo called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
And, perhaps to your surprise, BPPV does not just affect older adults. It is so common that not only has Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, DPT, experienced it herself, but so has Dr. Danielle Tolman’s husband (watch his experience here).
→So what exactly is BPPV?
→What is the Epley maneuver?
→When is it used?
→And what does it mean if it does not seem to be working for you?
Let’s break it down.
What is BPPV?
BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Let’s simplify that:
Benign means it’s not life-threatening.
Paroxysmal means it comes on suddenly.
Positional means it’s triggered by certain head positions.
Vertigo refers to a false sense of movement, often described as a room-spinning sensation.
BPPV happens when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (called otoconia) in your inner ear become dislodged and migrate into a part of the inner ear where they do not belong. Learn more about this here.
How Does the Epley Maneuver Help?
The Epley maneuver is a series of head and body movements designed to guide those loose crystals back to where they belong. It is a safe and simple technique that can often relieve BPPV symptoms quickly, sometimes in just one or two treatments. The Epley maneuver is most effective for posterior canal BPPV, which is the most common type of BPPV.
What If the Epley Maneuver Doesn’t Work?
This is something we hear all the time:
“I tried the Epley, but I’m still dizzy.”
Here is the thing. The Epley is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If it does not seem to help, there could be a few reasons why:
It might not be BPPV.
Not all vertigo is caused by BPPV. Other vestibular conditions, such as vestibular migraine, Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness, or Ménière’s disease, require different treatment approaches.
It could be a different type of BPPV.
The Epley is designed for posterior canal BPPV. If your BPPV is in the horizontal canal, a completely different maneuver, such as the Gufoni maneuver, may be appropriate.
Technique matters.
If the Epley is not performed correctly, the crystals may not move to the appropriate part of the inner ear. This is why working with a vestibular specialist can be so helpful.
Other factors could be at play.
Learn more about this by checking out our two-part podcast with Dr. Jeff Walter, PT, NCS.
→Talk Dizzy to Me's Atypical BPPV Part I
→Talk Dizzy to Me's Atypical BPPV Part II
We’re Here to Help
BPPV can feel scary, especially when it comes on out of nowhere. That is why we created a totally free BPPV resource page to help you understand your symptoms and feel confident in your treatment approach. We also designed a self-help course that teaches you how to assess and treat the most common types of BPPV, right from the comfort of home.
This way, you have access to support anytime you need it... including the weekends.
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Looking for more support? Book a free 10-minute discovery call here, explore our virtual services and self-help courses at www.balancingactrehab.com, or email us at info@balancingactrehab.com.
Disclaimer: This content on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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