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Brandt-Daroff Exercise
Brandt-Daroff Exercise
The Brandt-Daroff Exercise is one of several exercises intended to speed up the compensation process and end the symptoms of vertigo. It often is prescribed for people with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and sometimes for labyrinthitis. These exercises will not cure these conditions, but over time they can reduce symptoms of vertigo.
Brandt-Daroff Exercise for Vertigo
To perform the Brandt-Daroff exercise:
- Start in an upright, seated position.
- Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up at about a 45-degree angle.
- Remain in this position for about 30 seconds (or until the vertigo subsides, whichever is longer), then move back to the seated position.
- Repeat on the other side.
What To Expect After Treatment
Symptoms sometimes suddenly go away during an exercise period. More often, improvement occurs gradually over a period of weeks or months.
How Well It Works
The Brandt-Daroff exercise relieves symptoms of vertigo within 3 to 14 days for almost all people. In a small number of cases, vertigo returns and has to be treated again.
Risks
There are no risks in doing these exercises. You should be careful not to lie down too quickly to avoid hitting your head or developing minor neck injuries.
What To Think About
While it is effective in relieving symptoms of BPPV and possibly labyrinthitis, vestibular neuronitis, and other conditions causing vertigo, the Brandt-Daroff exercise may cause vertigo and nausea and vomiting. This can discourage people from continuing the exercise, particularly when the vertigo is severe enough to cause nausea and vomiting.
Since vertigo often goes away without treatment, it is hard to know just how effective this exercise really is.