Epley manoeuvre for vertigo

This manoeuvre is done with the assistance of a doctor or physiotherapist. A single 10- to 15-minute session usually is all that is needed. When your head is firmly moved into different positions, the crystal debris (canaliths) causing vertigo will move freely and no longer cause symptoms.

Epley manoeuvre: Step 1

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slide 1 of 4, Epley manoeuvre: Step 1,

You will sit on the doctor's examination table with your legs extended in front of you. The doctor will turn your head so that it is halfway between looking straight ahead and looking directly to the side that causes the worst vertigo. Without changing your head position, the doctor will guide you back quickly so that your shoulders are on the table but your head is hanging over the edge of the table. In this position, the side of your head that is causing the worst vertigo is facing the floor. The doctor will hold you in this position for 30 seconds or until your vertigo stops.

Epley manoeuvre: Step 2

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slide 2 of 4, Epley manoeuvre: Step 2,

Then, without lifting up your head, the doctor will turn your head to look at the same angle to the opposite side, so that the other side of your head is now facing the floor. The doctor will hold you in this position for 30 seconds or until your vertigo stops.

Epley manoeuvre: Step 3

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slide 3 of 4, Epley manoeuvre: Step 3,

The doctor will help you roll in the same direction you are facing so that you are now lying on your side. (For example, if you are looking to your right, you will roll onto your right side.) The side that causes the worst vertigo should be facing up. The doctor will hold you in this position for another 30 seconds or until your vertigo stops.

Epley manoeuvre: Step 4

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slide 4 of 4, Epley manoeuvre: Step 4,

The doctor will then help you to sit back up with your legs hanging off the table on the same side that you were facing.

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine