Does the Epley manoeuvre help with vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are moving. In benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, small crystals in the inner ear move into a sensitive canal. Turning over, sitting up, looking upward or lying back can then bring on short spells of spinning. The Epley manoeuvre guides the crystals toward a less sensitive part of the ear.

Vertigo may instead relate to migraine, inflammation, an inner-ear fluid disorder, medication, or a problem affecting the brain or nerves. Symptoms that are constant, accompanied by hearing changes, or unrelated to position need a broader assessment. A clinician can check the pattern before recommending a repositioning manoeuvre.

Have a clinician confirm the likely diagnosis and demonstrate the sequence, including the side to treat. Arrange a safe space because the spinning may briefly become stronger. Tell the clinician about neck or spine disease, circulation problems, eye conditions, recent surgery or difficulty moving. Avoid driving or climbing while an attack could make you unsafe, and seek review if symptoms do not settle.

Get emergency help for vertigo with new weakness, numbness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, inability to stand, or sudden hearing loss. Prompt medical review is needed for persistent vomiting, a new severe episode, or symptoms after a head injury.

Ask whether your vertigo is positional, which manoeuvre and side are appropriate, what movements to avoid temporarily, and what symptoms would require urgent reassessment.