If you experience chronic vertigo, a simple procedure called the canalith repositioning may be able to relieve your symptoms.
The canalith repositioning procedure is done to help relieve benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is typically caused by problems in the inner ear. It causes feelings of dizziness and spinning. These feelings can be intense but are normally very brief.
The canalith repositioning procedure can help resolve feelings of dizziness associated with BPPV.
The canalith repositioning procedure is done to help relieve dizziness and other symptoms of BPPV. When you have BPPV, tiny particles called canaliths, or otoconia, break loose in the inner ear and fall out of their typical place. The particles can move into semicircular canals in the inner ear, causing vertigo.
The canalith repositioning procedure can move the particles to an area called the article. Once there, the particles will no longer cause symptoms. Often, they will be dissolved or reabsorbed by the body.
The canalith repositioning procedure, also known as the Epley maneuver, is a physical maneuver. It involves four positions. In a healthcare setting, it’s typically done on a table. When doing it at home, you can perform it while lying on a bed, holding each position for 30 seconds:
- Lie with a pillow under your shoulders, allowing your head to gently fall back.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the affected side.
- Slowly rotate your head to the opposite side.
- Roll onto your side, keeping your head slightly angled and looking at the floor.
- Stay on your side for a few minutes.
- Carefully return to a sitting position, keeping your head centered and tilted down.
- Rest and remain still for about 15 minutes.
You might repeat this procedure two or three times in a single treatment session. You can do this procedure with the aid of a healthcare professional. They can also show you how to perform the procedure at home.
The canalith repositioning procedure has a high success rate. In some studies, as many as 93% of people who have the procedure experience symptom relief. Sometimes, it takes several uses of the procedure for symptoms to resolve.
The canalith procedure is typically considered safe. However, there are a few side effects linked to the procedure. This includes:
Performing the procedure correctly is the best way to reduce the risk of side effects. A healthcare professional can show you how to perform this procedure safely. They can perform it in their office and can teach you to repeat it safely at home if needed.
The canalith repositioning procedure isn’t the only option for people with BPPV. If the procedure doesn’t resolve symptoms, your healthcare professional might recommend additional approaches. This could include:
- Medication: Motion sickness medications, such as meclizine, and antihistamines, such as cyclizine, can help treat vertigo symptoms.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This type of therapy involves exercises to help resolve vertigo symptoms. Exercises can include eye movement control, stretching, and strength training.
Sometimes, BPPV is linked to underlying chronic conditions. Treating these conditions can help resolve BPPV symptoms. For instance, BPPV is often linked with migraine. Managing migraine episodes can reduce vertigo.
BPPV can also resolve on its own. Some people might experience BPPV symptoms that go away for a year or more but then return. It’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional about your BPPV. They can help plan the best treatment for you.
The canalith repositioning procedure is done to help relieve the symptoms of BPPV. The procedure is noninvasive and successful for up to 96% of people with BPPV.
Although the procedure is generally safe, having your healthcare professional show you how to correctly perform the canalith procedure can reduce the risk of side effects. If the canalith procedure doesn’t resolve symptoms, additional treatment options, such as medication or vestibular rehabilitation therapy, might help.