Vertigo Treatment with Simple Exercises (BPPV) - Ask Doctor Jo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, better known as BPPV, can literally stop you in your tracks. Make sure you are properly diagnosed because the symptoms can be something more serious and dangerous if not properly diagnosed.

The first exercises are called Brandt-Daroff exercises. Start in an upright, seated position. Then move into a lying position on one side with your nose pointed up at about a 45-degree angle. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds (or until the vertigo subsides, whichever is longer). Then move back to the seated position and stay for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side. This should be done 5 times, 2 times a day holding each position for 30 seconds.

The next set of exercises are called Gaze Stabilization exercises. Keeping your head in one spot, move your eyes side to side as smoothly as you can 10 times. Then move them up and down 10 times. Next move them at a diagonal 10 times one way, and then 10 times the other way. You might get some symptoms while doing this, but if you can keep moving them, the symptoms should go away.

Finally, you are going to move your head, but keep your eyes focused on one spot. Hold out your finger in front of you, or put an X or A, or any letter on a piece of paper on the wall. While focusing on the one spot, move your head side to side as smoothly as you can 10 times. Then move it up and down 10 times. Next move it at a diagonal 10 times one way, and then 10 times the other way.

DISCLAIMER: This video and any related comments are not medical advice. Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy; however, she is not YOUR Physical Therapist and can't possibly diagnose you through the Internet. So don't use this information to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they have given you. This information is only intended to show you the correct technique for physical therapy exercises and should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical condition. If you are not properly diagnosed, this information won't help, and it could make things worse. So seriously, check with your healthcare professional before doing these techniques. If you experience any pain or difficulty while doing these exercises, stop immediately and see your healthcare professional.