Treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

The Epley maneuver consists of a physical therapy treatment to resolve vertigo which usually needs to be done only once.  This treatment involves lying on your back and rolling to your side while the therapist moves your head through different positions to clear the debris from your semicircular canal.

You will likely experience vertigo during the procedure, but there is a good chance that this might be the last time you experience your positional vertigo.  For this reason, you will need someone to drive you to and from therapy.

After the maneuver, you will be asked to keep your head upright for 48 hours.  If you have your maneuver done at 8 am or 9 am, you will have to sit up in a chair or recliner for one night.  If it is done in the late morning or early afternoon, you will have to sit up for two nights.  Because of this, we suggest that you schedule your treatment for first thing in the morning.

Some things which you may want to prepare for staying upright for 48 hours:

• Arrange your toiletries so that everything you need is at eye level.  You will not be able to tilt your head up or down even 2 inches.  This is extremely important.
• Wash your hair before you come in for your maneuver as you will not be able to shower for 48 hours.
• Arrange meals that are easy to prepare to avoid bending over or reaching up for ingredients.
• Wear a button shirt to therapy so you do not have to pull it over your head thus bending forward or backward.
• Arrange a chair or recliner to sleep on. If you have them, extra pillows will help you stay in position during the night.

These restrictions will be reviewed with you when you come in for therapy.  If you have any questions please call the office.