It sounds like you’re describing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is caused by tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear shifting into the wrong part of the semicircular canals. This can cause dizziness, vertigo, and a spinning sensation, especially with head movements. Here’s a thorough guide:
1. Epley Maneuver (Most Common Treatment)
The Epley maneuver is designed to move the crystals back to the utricle where they belong.
Steps (for right ear BPPV)
- Sit on a bed and turn your head 45° to the right.
- Lie back quickly with your head slightly hanging off the bed, still turned 45° right. Stay 30–60 seconds.
- Turn your head 90° to the left without raising it. Stay 30–60 seconds.
- Roll your body onto your left side, keeping your head facing down at 45°. Stay 30–60 seconds.
- Sit up slowly and stay upright for a few minutes.
If your vertigo is on the left, reverse the directions.
Tip: Many people feel mild dizziness during the maneuver — this is normal. Repeat 1–3 times per day if symptoms persist.
2. Brandt-Daroff Exercises (For Home Use)
- These are slower, less precise movements but help reduce vertigo over time.
- Sit upright, then lie on one side with your head angled slightly upward for 30 seconds. Return upright. Repeat on the other side.
- Do 10 repetitions, 2–3 times daily until symptoms improve.
3. General Tips to Reduce Vertigo
- Avoid sudden head movements.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
- Stay hydrated; dehydration can worsen dizziness.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy may help if vertigo is persistent.
4. When to See a Doctor
- Vertigo is severe or persistent.
- Symptoms are accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness, or neurological symptoms (like weakness, double vision, or slurred speech).
- Recurrent BPPV that doesn’t respond to maneuvers.
A trained ENT or physical therapist can perform maneuvers safely and ensure there’s no other cause.
💡 Key Insight: In most cases, inner ear crystals can be treated without medication, and vertigo often improves significantly after a few sessions of Epley or Brandt-Daroff exercises.
If you want, I can give you a simple step-by-step diagram of the Epley maneuver that’s easy to follow at home — it really helps people do it correctly. Do you want me to make that?
