Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the leading causes of vertigo among U.S. patients; repositioning maneuvers fortunately make the condition very easy to treat in most people. Repositioning maneuvers take only five to ten minutes and successfully treat BPPV in 85 percent of patients in just a few treatments.
BPPV occurs when tiny particles of calcium (canaliths) detach from the otolithic membrane in the inner ear’s utricle and move into the fluid-filled semicircular canals. When patients’ head movements cause these particles to shift, it results in symptoms like dizziness.
When your provider begins a treatment plan for a patient with BPPV, repositioning maneuvers are typically the first step in providing relief from vertigo. These medically developed exercises extract the canaliths from the fluid in your semicircular canals and move them back into the utricle, where they re-adhere to the otolithic membrane.
Types of Repositioning Maneuvers
Your provider may use a few types of repositioning movements to treat patients with BPPV. Each uses slightly different movements and angles to move the calcium deposits from your inner ear canals. Known repositioning maneuvers include:
- Canalith Repositioning Procedure (CRP) or Epley maneuver
- Semont-Liberatory maneuver
- Half somersault maneuver or Foster maneuver
Your doctor will give you clear instructions and help you learn and understand the techniques of your repositioning maneuvers. Some patients need to have the repositioning maneuvers performed in the office each time, while other patients who feel comfortable with the process can usually perform the procedures at home.
Call Great Lakes ENT Specialists at (231) 489-8151 for more information or to schedule an appointment.