what is the epley maneuver?
explanation
If someone is suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), this can be treated according to the Epley maneuver. This treatment ensures that the disturbed cooperation between the vestibular organs is restored.
The doctor performs 4 successive movements with your head. Through these specific movements, the doctor tries to move the loose stones in the ear to another part of the vestibular system. This reduces the overstimulation of the sensory cells.
How is the treatment going?
With the pictures below we show the maneuver.
Why the epley maneuver?
why the treatment
BPPV is caused by grit that is located in the wrong part of the vestibular system. It is located in a semicircular canal instead of in the central part of the vestibular system. By means of the Epley maneuver the grit can be returned to the right place in the vestibular organ
How do you prepare?
preparation
Performing the Epley maneuver may make you very dizzy and nauseous. Therefore, do not eat too heavily beforehand.
How do you or your doctor perform the epley maneuver?
Treatment
With the pictures below we show you what the doctor does.
You start in a sitting position. You turn your head slightly to the side where the complaints occur the most. Then you move the body to a lying position.
You lie on your back with your head turned slightly to the side where the symptoms occur the most. You will remain in this position for about 30 to 60 seconds. You will probably feel dizzy for the first 10 seconds.
Then the doctor turns your head the other way. In this way, you will lie down again for 30 to 60 seconds. Even now you may feel dizzy. This is normal.
Then turn the head further to the side where you have no complaints. You move your head until your nose points down. This way you will lie down for another 30 seconds. You may feel dizzy again.
Finally, you will sit up straight from the side. It is quite normal to feel dizzy for a short time.
Let your head hang slightly for about a minute. The dizziness then disappears. Then your head can be raised again and you remain seated until the dizziness has gone.
You can repeat this treatment one or more times.
What happens after the treatment?
after the treatment
If the treatment takes place at KNO Medisch Centrum, you may not go home when you are no longer dizzy. You can drive home yourself. If you prefer, you can always ask someone to come with you.
The first night it is best to sleep with the head of the bed slightly raised. This is possible with an extra pillow under your head.
You can also perform the Epley maneuver at home. In the week after the treatment you will notice whether the treatment has helped. The dizziness is gone. Is there no improvement after 6 weeks? Then don’t hesitate to contact us. The treatment might be repeated.
What possible risks are there?
Risks
You will be moved from a sitting position to a lying position during the treatment. If you have back problems, they can be made worse by the treatment.
Remember:
- Hernia
- Slumped or weak vertebrae
- Arthrosis
If in doubt, consult your ENT doctor whether it is wise to carry out the treatment.
This patient information has been compiled with the utmost care. It concerns general information. This information is not legally binding. © ENT Medical Center / www.knomc.nl
This patient information has been compiled with the utmost care. It concerns general information. This information is not legally binding. © KNO Medisch Centrum / www.knomc.nl