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Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Exercises

Paroxysmal positional vertigo (PPV) is a condition that causes the sufferer to feel as if the room is spinning, even when she is standing still. PPV is a common cause of vertigo and often occurs when a person makes a quick head movement or transitions from lying down to standing up. Because PPV can be attributed to an imbalance of mineral crystals (known as otoliths) in the inner ear, patients can regularly perform exercises to reposition these particles.

  1. Brandt-Daroff Exercises

    • The exercises most commonly used to treat vertigo are called the Brandt-Daroff exercises. Brandt-Daroff exercises can be performed at home and have been shown to reduce dizziness symptoms when performed daily, according to the Maryland Hearing and Balance Center.

      Begin performing these exercises while sitting on the edge of your bed (you will need to lie down and sit up) with your legs hanging over the side of the bed.

    Step 1

    • Begin by quickly lying down on your right side, then turn your head toward the ceiling, holding it at about 45 degrees. Remain in this position for 30 seconds, or enough time for the dizziness to pass.

    Step 2

    • Return to your upright position and stare straight ahead for 30 seconds.

    Step 3

    • Repeat the action on your left side: Quickly lie on your left side, then look up toward your right for 30 seconds or until your dizziness subsides.

    Step 4

    • Return to the upright position, looking forward for 30 seconds.

    Repeat the Set

    • Steps one through four represent one set of exercises. This set should be repeated five times in one sitting; it typically takes a total of 10 minutes to complete. Begin performing the exercises two to three times daily. If you begin seeing results after the first week of exercises, you can decrease the frequency at which you perform them to three to four times per week.

      If you do not see results within a week, continue performing the exercises two to three times a day until you have been performing the exercises for two to three weeks. If you do not feel less dizzy after this time, consult your physician for further treatment recommendations.

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