|  | Conditions Treatments | Ears Hearing

Exercises to Help Positional Vertigo

The inner ear contains calcium particles. The particles keep the inner ear working properly. Acting as nerve transmitters, this debris sends signals to your brain. When you move your head, signals---like a directional device on your car---tell you whether to turn right or left. However, if these particles get stuck, the nerve messages misfire. The result is a dizzy or spinning feeling. This is known as simple positional vertigo, which can occur due to aging or head trauma, or as the result of a virus.

  1. The Semont Maneuver

    • The Semont manuever involves rapid head movement to loosen the crystallized calcium in the ear. It must be done under medical supervision. First you sit on the doctor's table. You should expect that the doctor will now turn your head forty-five degrees in the direction of the vertigo-affected ear. Next the doctor angles your head one hundred five degrees while you lie on the affected side. He will adjust your head so it hangs with your nose up. This position lasts for three minutes. The doctor will then move you to a seated position---while he holds your head---and onto your other side, now facing with your nose downward. Again this is for three minutes. Now the doctor moves you back to center. The idea is to dislodge these particles. For any vertigo symptoms, certainly seek medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis and a referral for treatment. It is also best, whenever possible, to have a medical specialist assist with these exercises, as the patient can become quite dizzy in the process of the particles moving.

    Brandt-Daroff

    • Brandt-Daroff exercises may be done without help from your physical therapist, but they should be attempted only after you have been properly diagnosed with positional vertigo and have received some form of treatment. Sit straight up on your bed. Then lie down on your left. Do this quickly. Once in this position, you should adjust your head so that it tilts at an angle, as if someone is in the room a couple of yards from you and you are looking at her face from the bed. Stay on this side for at least 30 seconds. Return to the original sitting position for another 30 seconds. Now do the same on your right side; lie down quickly. Return again to the original sitting position. Now repeat this exercise until you have completed it five times. Ideally you should do this repetitive routine three times daily. The treatment is recommended for two weeks to see results.

    The Goal Is Redistribution

    • The Epley maneuver is a slightly modified version of the Semont maneuver and is also a recognized treatment for positional vertigo. It should also be performed under medical supervision. The patient begins by sitting with a straight posture. The doctor tilts the patient's head toward the acutely affected area. Now the patient lies on his back and is instructed to tilt the head the other way. The patient remains in this position for one minute. Now the patient rolls onto his side, again for one minute and ultimately back up to the center position. This routine is repeated twice in an attempt to loosen the crystallized particles and move them so they distribute evenly again. None of the information in this article should be substituted for medical advice. You should always consult with a doctor before attempting these exercises.

Ears Hearing - Related Articles