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Brandt Daroff Exercises

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a common cause of dizziness

Benign – this means the cause of dizziness is not a threat to your health.
Paroxysmal – the dizziness comes in short bursts.
Positional – the dizziness is provoked by certain body or head positions.
Vertigo – the medical name for the spinning sensation.

Caused by tiny crystals in the inside of your ear responsible for balance - sometimes they become dislodged - this can be due to infection/injury or often there is no reason in particular.

Once the crystals are loose, putting your head into certain positions can cause the crystals to move, making your brain think you are moving even though you are not which causes BPPV symptoms.

Exercises

Brandt-Daroff exercises are a series of simple movements that can help stop the dizzy spells that people with BPPV. Some evidence suggests that the exercises help to relocate the loose crystals that cause the dizziness. However, other evidence suggests that repeated exposure to the feeling of dizziness reduces its intensity.

You can perform these exercises in your own home.

We recommend that you have a friend or family member present the first few times you perform these exercises to help you in case you become unsteady.

Pick a location where your feet can comfortably reach the floor when you are sitting to steady yourself - such as your bed

How to perform these exercises

Start the exercises by sitting upright on the edge of a bed.
Turn your head 45 degrees to the left (or as far as is comfortable).
Quickly lie down on your right-hand side. Remain in this position for 30 seconds (or until you no longer feel dizzy).
Sit up and turn your head back to a central position (facing forwards).
Turn your head 45 degrees to the right (or as far as is comfortable).
Quickly lie down on your left-hand side. Remain in this position for 30 seconds (or until you no longer feel dizzy). Sit up and turn your head back to a central position (facing forwards).

Watch an instructional video on how to perform the exercises