If you have a balance disorder called Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or positional vertigo, Disc Care’s chiropractor, Dr Robert Bailey, might prescribe a series of simple movements (called the Epley Manoeuver) to help dislodge the otoconia from the semicircular canal. You begin the Epley Manoeuver by sitting upright, with the help of a trained therapist, then quickly lie down on your back, turn your head to one side and wait for a minute or two before sitting back up again. For some people, one session will be all that is needed. Others may need to repeat treatments over several days before their dizziness is completely resolved.

Adverse effects

No serious adverse effects have been reported. Common side effects include vertigo and nausea (and sometimes vomiting) during the manoeuvre.

Evidence

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) found in Level I evidence (systematic review of randomised controlled trials) that the Epley Manoeuvre is safe and effective for the treatment of posterior semicircular canal BPPV, until symptoms resolve.