How long does the Epley manoeuvre take to work for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

BPPV happens when tiny calcium particles move into a balance canal where they disturb signals during head movement. The manoeuvre guides those particles toward a part of the inner ear where they are less disruptive. Brief spinning or nausea during the positions is possible. Persistent spinning, hearing changes, or symptoms unrelated to position may point to another cause.

Move carefully when standing, especially if you still feel unsteady, and avoid driving or climbing until you can turn and walk safely. Follow the positioning instructions given by the clinician. If symptoms return, arrange a review rather than repeatedly performing the manoeuvre when the affected side or diagnosis is uncertain.

Seek urgent care for vertigo with new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk. Prompt assessment is also needed for sudden hearing loss or continuous vomiting with signs of dehydration.

Ask which ear and canal are affected, whether the manoeuvre was successful, when normal activity is safe, and what to do if spinning persists. Ask whether another examination is needed before trying it at home.