Epley Maneuver for Vertigo: What Is It? What if it Doesn’t Work?

Epley maneuver

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

As you most likely have heard, the most common diagnosis for vertigo symptoms is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). 

BPPV can happen when infection or inflammation keeps tiny stones in your inner ear from moving the way they should. The vertigo attacks usually lasts less than a minute.

A common procedure used by physical therapists and some doctors is what’s called the Epley maneuver. Where your head is quickly repositioned in order to attempt to reposition the stones in your ear.

If you were diagnosed with BPPV it is very possible that you have had this maneuver done either by a physical therapist, doctor or yourself. The goal of the Epley maneuver is to attempt to reposition the stones in your ear in order to stop the vertigo symptoms.

To learn more information about vertigo, download our Vertigo e-book by clicking the image below:




What if the Epley Maneuver Doesn’t Work?

If the Epley maneuver is unsuccessful you will typically be sent home with some medication and told the attacks will usually go away on their own in a few weeks.

There are many causes of vertigo that the Epley maneuver will not address. No matter how many times it is tried. So if you’ve tried the Epley maneuver and the drugs and you are still continuing to have vertigo isn’t it time to try something else?

Remember we are here for you when you are ready. We have over 15 years experience helping people with vertigo find natural and drug-free relief and long lasting results. To schedule a vertigo evaluation in our Graham, Washington office, click the button below.

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Dr. Craig Lapenski and Dr. Martha Schenk of Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington are your Graham NUCCA Specialists trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Their upper cervical clinic also serves Puyallup, Tacoma, Olympia, and Sumner. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck and back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/