|  | Conditions Treatments | Ears Hearing

Vertigo Reconditioning Exercises

Vertigo is a condition that causes sufferers to feel as though his or her surroundings are spinning. It can be diagnosed by a physician, who will then determine the course of treatment, which may include repositioning and reconditioning exercises to restore the person's normal balance.



Two types of reconditioning treatments are the Canalith repositioning procedure (also referred to as the Epley Maneuver), which is used for semicircular canal problems, and the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, which are used for vestibular problems.

  1. Canalith Repositioning/Epley Maneuver

    • Stimulation of the posterior semicircular canal, which is located in the inner ear, can cause vertigo. Slight movements, such as moving your head on a pillow or rising quickly from bed, can cause an episode, which is characterized by nausea, vomiting and abnormal movement of the eyes.

      The Canalith/Epley repositioning procedure treats this condition, known as benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo. The procedure involves slow movement from a sitting position to a reclining position with certain head movements.

      The doctor will turn your head from one side to the other, as well as lower it during the procedure. Each position is held for 30 seconds. Moving the head into the position that caused the vertigo will determine if the procedure worked. You can also perform these movements at home. The exercise causes the particles in the inner ear to shift back where they belong, away from the semicircular canal. And according to the Merck Manual, it cures 90 percent of patients and an additional 5 percent when repeating the exercise.

    Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises

    • Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises are used to treat vestibular problems. The vestibular system includes the inner ear and brain. Injury or disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including vertigo. One exercise includes eye movements that begin slowly and then quicken. Eyes move up and down and then side to side. Head movements are performed in the same fashion.Exercises also include shoulder shrugging, bending forward from a seated and standing position, and walking across a room with eyes open and closed.

    Precautions

    • To avoid vertigo episodes, try to steer clear of any sudden head movements, keeping the head vertical and sleeping with two pillows. Hair should be shampooed under a shower, and visits to the dentist or hairdresser should be avoided.

      After a week of performing these reconditioning exercises, the patient should try the position that caused the initial vertigo. Someone should be present while attempting the position, in case the vertigo returns. Report the results to your physician.

Ears Hearing - Related Articles