What is the treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
This simple cure may be tried by your doctor. This often works if you have fragments of debris (otoconia) at the bottom of your posterior semicircular canal (the common situation). This is done by a series of four movements of the head. After each movement, the head is held in the same place for 30 seconds or so. The movements of the head basically cause the posterior semicircular canal to rotate around in such a way that gravity moves the otoconia fragments out form the posterior canal and into the vestibule where they then settle and cause no symptoms. Following a successful Epley manoeuvre, the following are commonly advised. This is to allow the otoconia to settle in their new situation in the vestibule, and to reduce the risk of their falling back into the posterior semicircular canal: • Do not lie flat for 48 hours. During this time sleep sitting in a chair. • Do not lie on the affected side for one week. • Ideally, try to avoid bending over (such as to tie shoelaces) for a week.
