Exercises for vertigo

Vertigo is a common condition that most people face once in a lifetime. Vertigo is referred to as a spinning sensation where a person experiences whether he is spinning or the nearby environment is spinning. Daily chores are at bay when one experiences vertigo.
Certain vertigo exercises, prescribed by doctors can be practiced at home to treat the underlying condition. There are various exercises for dizziness and vertigo that are prescribed by doctors, which help in treating vertigo caused by BPPV.
Consulting an expert neurologist is recommended before practicing exercises for vertigo and dizziness to get the right techniques and postures. Here are some of the best vertigo exercises, which helps in easing out the issue.
 

1. Epley maneuver for vertigo

 
The Epley exercise for vertigo is one of the most common vertigo exercises that helps in treating BPPV vertigo. Doctor's advice is recommended before practicing Epley maneuver for vertigo as the exercise involves movements of head and body and a person may feel dizzy just after completing the sets of vertigo exercises.
 
Steps for Epley maneuver for vertigo:
 

1. Sit on the bed with straight legs and put a pillow behind you.
2. Turn your head at 45 degrees to your left side.
3. Lie down quickly and allow your shoulders to rest on the pillow for 30 seconds.
4. Turn your head halfway at 90 degrees while lying down and hold for 30 seconds.
5. Turn your head and body to your right side and hold for 30 seconds.
6. Slowly get up from the bed and sit on the bed for a few minutes
7. Change the direction of the exercise and start with the right side, if you are experiencing vertigo due to the right ear.
8. Practice Epley maneuver three times a day to eliminate vertigo symptoms.

 
2. Semont exercise for vertigo
 
Patients suffering from BPPV vertigo are advised to practice Semont maneuver to treat the underlying cause. It is time-saving and easy to adapt as compared to other vertigo exercises.
 
Steps for Semont exercise for vertigo:
 

1. Sit straight on your bed and turn your head at an angle of 45 degrees to the right.
2. Lie down on your left and hold for 30 seconds.
3. Quickly move your body to the right side of the bed without changing the angle of your head and hold for 30 seconds.
4. Return to the sitting position slowly and wait for a few minutes.
5. Change the direction if the problem exists in another ear.
6. Practice Semont maneuver 3 times a day to relieve the symptoms of vertigo.

 
3. Foster exercises for vertigo
 
Foster Maneuver or Half-Somersault, one of the easiest vertigo exercises can be performed at home easily.
 
Follow the steps for Foster exercises for vertigo:
 
The steps are described as per left ear BPPV, if the person is suffering from right ear BPPV, change the direction and practice vertigo exercise accordingly.
 

1. Kneel down and place your hands on the floor.
2. Look up at the ceiling for a few seconds and wait until the dizziness passes.
3. Place your forehead on the floor, tucking your chin so your head goes toward your knees.
4. Hold for 30 seconds and let any vertigo spells to stop.
5. Turn your head at an angle of 45 degrees towards your left & hold your position for 30 seconds.
6. While keeping an angle of 45 degrees, raise your head and level it up with your shoulders and back. Hold for 30 seconds.
7. Raise your head completely while getting back to normal position. Start standing up slowly.
8. Practice Foster exercises for vertigo, four to five times a day to get relief.
9. Take a rest of 15 minutes between the sets of exercise.

 
4. Brandt-Daroff exercise for vertigo
 
Performing the Brandt-Daroff exercise gives brilliant results in treating the initial stage of vertigo. Practice the Brandt-Daroff exercise regularly for up to three weeks to eliminate the vertigo symptoms.
 
Steps for Brandt-Daroff exercises:
 

1. Sit on the bed with your feet down on the floor.
2. Turn your head at a 45-degree opposite from the side causing vertigo.
3. Lie down without moving your head and hold your position until vertigo passes by.
4. Move back to the starting position and hold for 30 seconds.
5. Repeat the same steps for the other side.
6. One set should consist of 5 repetitions. It should be done for each side.
7. Wait before standing and let the dizziness pass.