Epley Manoeuvre

The Epley manoeuvre uses guided head movements to reposition particles in the inner ear.

It is used for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a condition in which loose inner-ear particles can trigger spinning with changes in head position. A trained clinician moves you through a sequence designed for the affected side.

Some people notice that positional spinning settles soon after the manoeuvre, while others need more time or a repeat treatment. Improvement is judged by whether familiar head movements still trigger Vertigo. Feeling unsteady immediately afterwards does not necessarily mean the manoeuvre has failed.

The movements can briefly bring on the same spinning, nausea or imbalance that you experience during an episode. These effects usually happen while the position is being changed. Tell the clinician before starting if neck, back or blood-vessel problems make particular positions difficult or unsafe for you.

The Epley manoeuvre is a short treatment session rather than a medicine taken over time. A clinician may repeat the sequence during a visit or arrange another session if positional symptoms continue. Do not repeatedly try unfamiliar movements at home without guidance, particularly if your diagnosis is uncertain.

Before the appointment, describe which positions trigger symptoms and whether you have vomiting, hearing changes, headache, weakness or trouble walking. The clinician uses this history and an examination to decide whether your Dizziness fits a positional inner-ear problem or needs a different assessment.

This manoeuvre is considered when an assessment supports Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. That condition commonly presents with brief spinning brought on by rolling in bed, looking up or bending. It is not a suitable catch-all treatment for every cause of dizziness, so an assessment matters before treatment.

You sit on an examination couch and the clinician turns your head toward the suspected affected ear. You are guided back with your head supported, then your head and body are turned through further positions. Each position is held while symptoms settle. You are helped back to sitting and given instructions tailored to how you feel.

Arrange time to sit until you feel steady before leaving. Avoid driving yourself home if you remain dizzy. Follow the clinician's advice about activity and contact the service if the spinning continues, returns, or differs from your usual pattern.

Temporary nausea, spinning and imbalance are the common practical concerns. New severe headache, fainting, chest pain, weakness, speech difficulty, double vision or persistent inability to walk need urgent assessment because they are not typical positional-vertigo features.

Other canalith repositioning manoeuvres may suit a different canal or side. If assessment suggests another cause of symptoms, the clinician may recommend a different investigation or treatment instead of the Epley manoeuvre.

A GP, ear specialist, vestibular clinician or suitably trained physiotherapist can assess positional symptoms and perform or teach the appropriate manoeuvre. Share any neck or back limitations when booking.