Here at Elite Performance Therapy we know that dealing with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV is no simple feat. It can cause you to feel false motions for a brief period and a long list of other symptoms unsteadiness, vomiting, and nausea.
What does benign paroxysmal positional vertigo mean?
We know that it can be quite a handful to say benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It may also seem quite like a very daunting medical term. To help you understand, let’s try to break down the meaning of each word:
- Benign – It means that it’s not life-threatening.
- Paroxysmal – In medical terms, this refers to the sudden recurrence or intensification of symptoms. This suggests that the episodes tend to come and go even without warning.
- Positional – Unlike in other vertigo types, BPPV gets triggered when you change the head’s position. This could include turning sideways when lying on a bed.
- Vertigo – When you have BPPV, you experience a spinning sensation from time to time. It’s the main symptom of the condition, and it can incapacitate you for hours.
What is the Epley Manoeuvre?
The Epley manoeuvre, (also known as the canalith repositioning procedure) is a treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a common cause of vertigo, which is a feeling of dizziness or spinning. It is caused by small crystals that break off from the inner ear and get stuck in the semicircular canals. These crystals can cause the canals to move incorrectly, which sends false signals to the brain about balance.
The Epleys manoeuvre is a series of head movements that are designed to dislodge the crystals from the semicircular canals and return them to their normal position. Here at Elite Performance Therapy the manoeuvre is usually performed by our physio Daniele Delicati, but it can also be done at home.
How does the Epley manoeuvre work?
The Epleys manoeuvre works by moving the crystals in the semicircular canals so that they can be flushed out of the ear. The manoeuvre is performed in a series of steps, each of which moves the crystals in a different direction.
The first step is to lie down on your back with your head turned 45 degrees to the affected side. Daniele will then quickly turn your head 90 degrees to the opposite side. The patient will then sit up and be instructed to tilt their head forward until their chin is on their chest. This position is held for a few seconds, and then the patient will be instructed to lie back down with their head turned 45 degrees to the opposite side of the original position. This process is repeated a few times, and the patient is usually symptom-free after the manoeuvre is complete.
How long should I rest after the Epley manoeuvre?
You should rest for at least 10 minutes after the Epley manoeuvre. This is to avoid “quick spins,” or brief bursts of vertigo as debris repositions itself immediately after the manoeuvre. Don’t drive yourself home until you are certain you feel “normal”.
Is the Epley Manoeuvre effect ?.. and our top tips!
Performed correctly by a specialist, yes it can help clients suffering with BPPV Vertigo. Below we have outlined our top tips for an effective treatment :
- The Epley manoeuvre requires very precise, technically accurate performance to be effective. Please ensure you use a therapist who is fully studied in the technique to reproduce precision and accuracy, otherwise may be performing the Epley manoeuvre incorrectly.
- It is important to treat the correct ear in order for the Epley maneuver to work. The first step to effectively treating BPPV is to determine which ear is involved.
- Please ensure you are treating the correct semi-circular canal : There are three semi-circular canals in each inner ear. You must determine the canal that needs treatment.
If you are suffering with BPPV Vertigo or would like more information on the Epley manoeuvre at Elite Performance Therapy, please call us on 0034 635 508 964 or contact us here.