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What is the Epley Maneuver?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The Epley Maneuver is a technique which is used to treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This technique moves the patient through a series of positions which are designed to dislodge the debris in the ear which causes the vertigo. In around 70% of cases, the Epley Maneuver is very effective, and the patient may require no further follow up treatment. In other instances, additional positional therapy may be needed, or more aggressive treatments such as surgery may be required.

When the Epley Maneuver is conducted, the goal is to move the patient through a series of set positions which will loosen the debris in the ear and resolve the vertigo issue. Doctors strongly recommend that this be done in the office of a doctor or therapist, for several reasons. The first is that numerous health problems can cause vertigo, so it is important to make sure that the Epley Maneuver really is the best treatment for the patient. The second is that the ear behind the vertigo needs to be properly identified for the procedure to work, and it is also important to have a doctor present during the Epley Maneuver in case the patient experiences complications.

The Epley Maneuver is designed to help people experiencing vertigo.
The Epley Maneuver is designed to help people experiencing vertigo.

In this procedure, the patient is first seated on a treatment table, and his or her head is tilted by the doctor towards the “bad side” where the ear behind the problems is located. Next, the patient is rapidly pulled into a supine position, and held in place for around a minute before the head is tilted to the other side and held. Next, the patient rolls onto his or her side, holds the position for a minute, and then sits up suddenly. This cycle is repeated two more times.

In addition to dizziness, vertigo may cause nausea and vomiting.
In addition to dizziness, vertigo may cause nausea and vomiting.

During the Epley Maneuver, the patient usually experiences vertigo and dizziness, which is why the doctor is important, because he or she provides stability. After the procedure, the patient may be too dizzy to walk for several minutes, and doctors usually recommend that their patients get a ride home from a friend or family member. In the days immediately following the exercises, the head needs to be held vertical, and the patient needs to sleep in a semi-prone position. After around a week, the patient can start to engage in normal activities to see if vertigo develops.

During the Epley Maneuver, a patient may experience dizziness.
During the Epley Maneuver, a patient may experience dizziness.

At home, patients can use the Brandt-Daroff Exercises to manage vertigo. Some doctors may also show their patients how to do a home Epley Maneuver safely. Patients should not attempt to cure vertigo and dizziness with home exercises until they have determined the cause of the problem, as the Epley Maneuver will not resolve anything but a buildup of calcium carbonate crystals in the ear, and it can in fact complicate conditions such as tumors.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon341082

A highly informative read, indeed.

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    • The Epley Maneuver is designed to help people experiencing vertigo.
      By: 9nong
      The Epley Maneuver is designed to help people experiencing vertigo.
    • In addition to dizziness, vertigo may cause nausea and vomiting.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      In addition to dizziness, vertigo may cause nausea and vomiting.
    • During the Epley Maneuver, a patient may experience dizziness.
      By: Mauro Rodrigues
      During the Epley Maneuver, a patient may experience dizziness.