If your vertigo is caused by displaced “inner ear crystals” (a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), treatment often involves specific head-positioning maneuvers that guide the crystals back to where they belong.
The most common treatment: Epley maneuver
The Epley maneuver is frequently used for BPPV. It involves a series of head and body movements performed by a healthcare professional or, in some cases, at home after proper instruction. Many people experience significant improvement after one or a few treatments.
Other repositioning maneuvers
Depending on which ear canal is affected, a clinician may recommend:
- Semont maneuver
- Brandt-Daroff exercises
- Barbecue roll maneuver
What you can do
- Move slowly when changing positions.
- Sit up for a moment before standing.
- Avoid driving or climbing if vertigo could cause a fall.
- Stay hydrated and get adequate rest.
When to see a healthcare professional
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis because not all vertigo is caused by ear crystals. Seek medical care if:
- This is your first episode of severe vertigo.
- Symptoms persist despite repositioning maneuvers.
- You have hearing loss, ringing in one ear, severe headache, double vision, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or trouble walking.
- You have frequent falls.
Emergency warning signs
Seek urgent medical attention immediately if vertigo occurs with:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side
- Difficulty speaking
- Facial drooping
- Severe, unusual headache
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms can indicate conditions more serious than BPPV, such as a stroke.
If you’d like, I can walk you through the Epley maneuver step by step. Before I do, tell me:
- Which ear seems affected (left, right, or unsure)?
- Does the spinning happen when you roll over in bed, look up, or bend down?
- How long does each spinning episode last (seconds, minutes, or hours)?
