‘Epley manoeuvre’, which try to put the particles back in a better position.
You may be advised to perform ‘Brandt-Daroff exercises’ (see opposite).
You may be referred to a specialist doctor for further treatment or to rule out other rare causes for your dizziness. You may also be referred to a vestibular physiotherapist (who specialises in dizziness and vertigo) if it is expected you will require further treatment after being discharged.
HOME CARE
Your doctor or healthcare professional will advise you on what to do to help with BPPV.
Here are some things you can do at home.
Avoid head positions that provoke an attack.
Do the Brandt-Daroff exercises as instructed.
Avoid sleeping on the affected or ‘bad’ side.
Raise your head on two or three pillows when resting.
In the morning, get up slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute before standing.
Take prescribed medications as directed.
Do not drive until your symptoms have completely resolved.
WHAT TO EXPECT
If the exercises are done regularly, the symptoms should settle over the next 10 days, although it can take longer. Most people return to work or normal
activities within a week.
About one in three people will have a new attack within a year. While these attacks can cause discomfort there is usually no long-term damage.
Some people may have ongoing problems with balance, and surgery may be needed.
Some people only ever have one attack.
Return to the emergency department or urgent care centre if you develop:
speech or swallowing difficulties
facial, arm or leg weakness or numbness.
BRANDT-DAROFF EXERCISES
The Brandt-Daroff exercises (Figure 1) are thought to disperse any tiny particles away from the balance centre in your ear, therefore getting rid of the cause of your dizziness.
You may be anxious that the exercises will bring back your symptoms. This is normal. However, the exercises will only work if you feel dizzy as you do them. The dizziness will get less with time.
1. Sit on the edge of the bed.
2. Turn your head 45 degrees (look to the left). Lie down quickly on the right side. Ensure the back of the head rests on the bed. Wait 20–30 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
3. Sit upright. Wait 20–30 seconds for any dizziness to settle.
4. Repeat on the other side. Turn the head slightly to the right before lying down quickly on the left side.
5. Do this five times on each side (takes about 10 minutes). Repeat three times a day.
Figure 1: Brandt-Daroff exercises
