Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV

A year or two ago I suffered my first episode of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) also known as Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV). My local GP prescribed Brant - Daroff exercises which I performed rigorously for between 2 and 3 weeks. I found them to be completely useless. Finally, frustrated, I turned to the Internet to research BPV and discovered the Epley Maneuver described here.

I studied the instructions and the associated video at this site and self–performed the Dix-Hallpike test to determine the affected vestibular. I determined that my right posterior canal was the problem. I then self performed the Eply Maneuver treatment for my right ear. To my amazement the BPV symptoms virtually disappeared overnight.

I have since had a few repeat episodes that I have successfully treated with the same procedure. If you want to self treat yourself for this syndrome it is most important that you first correctly establish which is the affected ear using the Dix-Hallpike test. The following video explains both the diagnosis and treatment very clearly.



NB. When self performing the Dix-Hallpike test, begin with your head turned 45 degrees towards the test side. If the test is positive you will experience dizziness and nystagmus after you recline to the horizontal position. The following video shows how to self perform the Eply Maneuver for the right ear. To treat the left ear simply perform the maneuver in the opposite direction, beginning with the head turned to the left.