Brandt-Daroff Exercises

Information and advice for patients

Audiology

Sandwell and West Birmingham

NHS Trust

Page 1

What are Brandt-Daroff exercises?

Brandt-Daroff exercises are used for the treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). For more information on BPPV, please see our separate leaflet on this.

What is the benefit of doing the exercises?

The exercises can stop the dizzy spells experienced by BPPV sufferers. It is not clear why the exercises work; some evidence suggests that the exercises help to relocate the loose crystals that cause the dizziness in the first place, whereas other evidence suggests that repeated exposure to the feeling of dizziness reduces its intensity.

What are the risks or disadvantages?

The exercises are likely to provoke dizziness, so should be performed in a safe environment, preferably with another person present. Some people find it difficult to persevere with the exercises, but they have a good success rate.

Are there any alternatives to performing these exercises?

There are alternative manoeuvres that can be used to treat BPPV, such as an Epley manoeuvre.

Your specialist may perform an Epley manoeuvre with you in clinic and then recommend Brandt-Daroff exercises for you to use at home as these are easier to perform unsupervised.

Brandt-Daroff Exercises

Information and advice for patients

Audiology

Sandwell and West Birmingham

NHS Trust

How to do the exercises

1. Start sitting upright on the edge of the bed.

2. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left, or as far as is comfortable.

3. Lie down on your right side.

4. Remain in this position for 30 seconds or until any dizziness has subsided.

5. Sit up and turn head back to centre.

6. Turn your head 45 degrees to the right, or as far as is comfortable.

7. Lie down on your left side.

8. Remain in this position for 30 seconds or until any dizziness has subsided.

9. Sit up and turn head back to centre.

The above description is one repetition. The exercises should be performed in a set of 5 repetitions. They should be performed three times a day for two weeks (see over for suggested schedule).

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ML6446

Issue Date June 2021

Review Date: June 2024

If you would like to suggest any amendments or improvements to this leaflet please contact SWB Library Services on ext 3587 or email [email protected].

A Teaching Trust of The University of Birmingham

Incorporating City, Sandwell and Rowley Regis Hospitals

© Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust

Brandt-Daroff Exercises

Information and advice for patients

Audiology

Sandwell and West Birmingham

NHS Trust

Page 3

Suggested schedule

Morning

5 repetitions

Afternoon 5 repetitions Everyday for 2 weeks

Evening

5 repetitions

If the dizziness persists after 2 weeks you may require a further appointment.

Contact details For a further appointment or advice about the exercises please contact your Clinical Scientist on

0121 507 4875. Alternatively you can email us on [email protected].

Further information For more information about our hospitals and services please see our website www.swbh.nhs.uk, follow us on Twitter @SWBHnhs and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SWBHnhs.

Sources used for the information in this leaflet

• Brandt, T. and Daroff, R.B. (1980) ‘Physical therapy for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo’,

Archives of Otolaryngology, 106 (8), pp. 484-5.

• Clinical Knowledge Summaries (2017). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. [Online].

London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Available at: https://cks.nice.org. uk/topics/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo/ [Accessed 20 May 2021]

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