Epley Maneuver for Vertigo - Ask Doctor Jo

Again, the Epley Maneuver should be performed by a health professional. I do NOT recommend doing it on your own or having someone else who has never performed it before perform to perform it on you.

With that said, many of you have asked about it, so here is how it is performed. Always explain what you are going to do with the person. This will increase dizziness and it can be scary. It might also, in rare cases, cause someone to get sick, so I recommend having a bucket near by.

On a bed or treatment table, have the person get into a long sit position with their legs out in front of them. Get them close enough to the edge so their head will hang off when you bring them down. Turn their head to the involved side at a 45 degree angle (this is the side they feel dizzy when they turn in that direction). You want them to be completely relaxed, and you are doing all the movements for them. Then with their head turned, very quickly bring them down with their head off the edge in about 20-30 degrees extension. Hold them in this position for 30 seconds to a minute. You are looking for their eyes to be bouncing side to side. This is called a nystagmus. During this time, the person will feel dizzy, and might want to sit up. Try to keep them relaxed and let them know the dizziness should go away soon.

Once the eyes stop moving or slow down, then turn their head to the other side at a 45 degree angle and keep the 20-30 degrees extension. Wait another 30 seconds to a minute and look for the nystagmus. Hopefully it will be less already and they won’t feel as dizzy.

Now, keeping their head at a 45 degree angle, have them turn to their side, the way their head is already pointing. As they do this, slowly start to tuck their chin in. Wait another 30 seconds to a minute, and then slowly help them sit up by bringing their knees up and dropping their legs off the side while pushing up with their hand.

Slowly bring their head back into a neutral position looking straight forward, and hopefully all the spinning and dizziness will be gone. Now you should instruct them to keep that upright position for 48 hours, so they might have to sleep in a recliner or chair. Also, if you have a soft neck collar, that will help them keep their head in a neutral position to allow the crystals to settle back into their normal position.

Related Videos:

Vertigo Treatment with Simple Exercises (BPPV):

Balance & Coordination Exercises:

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Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy.

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Vertigo Epley Maneuver:

DISCLAIMER: This video and any related comments are not medical advice. Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy; however, she is not YOUR Physical Therapist and can't possibly diagnose you through the Internet. So don't use this information to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they have given you. This information should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical condition. If you are not properly diagnosed, this information won't help, and it could make things worse. If you experience any pain, stop immediately and see your healthcare professional.

[AskDoctorJo]

Don't forget to hit the 🔴 *SUBSCRIBE* 🔴 button above! *Find all of my videos at **youtube.com/askdoctorjo*

[megahurtz]

I’ve had really bad vertigo for the most part of my life. No doctor could help me. Vomiting every morning room spinning. Queezy stomach when I lay down or get up. After doing the epley maneuver my quality of life boosted 10 fold. Thank you!

[ethancheng]

What? No 5 minute banter about how you two are the best physio on the internet before the demo? that's exactly what people who's suffering from vertigo need. Great demo, thank you.

[jmarechiga]

This exercise seems to work for me. My heart goes out to all the vertigo sufferers, we should have a support group lol. Thanks Dr Jo.

[farnoushmakhmalbaf]

OMG this exercise does magic. I had a severe benign vertigo for 3 days that I had to go to ER. I was like paralyzed doing nothing but severe terrible dizziness. After few times of doing this exercise I got MUCH better and now I’m doing perfect.
Absolutely the best vertigo treatment. Thank you 🙏

[peggymalone]

I had the worst vertigo ever for several months to the point I couldn't walk anymore work or do anything even called an ambulance once cuz it scared me so bad. I went to ear nose and throat doctor and she did this to me and instantaneously the vertigo was gone and it's never been back. Who would have thought something so simple I was absolutely flabbergasted and relieved at the same time. If you have vertigo have your doc do this Thank you for the video!!!😊

[eldodpuppy]

I got diagnosed with vertigo yesterday. I watched your video with my wife about three times and we thought that you two were very clear in your explanation. We also find your delivery very light and comforting!

[AZAce]

Thank you. The 1st time I did this I did not get the results I was looking for but 2 days later I repeated it but for about 2 minuets each step and it worked. 2 months later it returned however I just repeated the maneuver and it works. Life is so much better.

[bonniejarvis]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're a good person for wanting to help and not charging a bunch-much appreciated!!! God Bless you.

[April]

I LOVE physical therapists! They are
Angels. I suffered from vertigo for nearly a month while various doctors tested and diagnosed me. I continued to work and working down the hallways was un-nerving. I finally got an appt.set up with PT. I saw the therapist, explained my situation and immediately began the BPPV procedure, while she watch my eyes rolling trying to find the horizon.after about 10 minutes the steps were complete and the eyes had it. I was CURED!!! God bless you all. 😇

[Denise]

I don’t think most Dr.s know about the Epley Maneuver. This has helped me many times. Thank you for posting it! ❤

[jiujitsuvideo]

Absolutely the best vertigo treament ever! This changed my life.

[Sabinex]

This is the only thing that helps my mom when she has an occasional episode of vertigo. We’ve been doing it for years. It helps her recover much faster instead of taking days.

[bashabasha]

Oh my god...it's really amazing...and working...I have been suffering with vertigo since 1 week...I did just single time this experiment... finally I got solution...thank you very much...

[goldenpony]

Thank you so much Dr, i attempted this as an ignorant lone wolf at home and it still provided me a partial relief. Can't wait to see my SO or some friends later in the day to try again with their help and reach success.

I was so dumbfounded yesterday but now I went from yucky debilitation to slight spins that won't stop me from working at home and cooking anymore. 👍👍🙏🙏

[kimmondelli]

This is by far the best video on youtube. Very clear instructions. (This is what I performed on my husband, and it worked.) Thank you!

[justinhamilton]

Dr Jo this is incredible. My mother has been suffering from severe vertigo attacks for years and yesterday was such a horrible one that i had to search vertigo relief on YT and your video came up, we tried this maneuver and it was over in half an hour. INCREDIBLE!

[adrianaperdue]

I’ve had vertigo for over a year and a half now and nobody in my family believed me until a few months ago they thought I was just naturally always dizzy so I found this video and hope it helps

[sspreece]

Ive suffered with vertigo since being hit by a car at age 5. Also scarred on left cheek . I had this procedure performed on me about 10 yrs ago, was told it helps , makes it worse, or just doesn't effect different people . Thank god it helped me straight away . I had nothing then for a few years but it does come back from time to time . And every time i wake up with it, but at least now i know the cause and try.and mobe them crystals back to where they should be . So glad i discovered this treatment .

[mattfrancis]

I've been suffering for a month now stemming from a ear infection, I was told about this movement from a friend and have just watched i will be trying this a few times fingers crossed