The Epley maneuver can be an extremely effective treatment for individuals with BPPV (Benign Paraproxysmal Positional Vertigo). So, if we break down this diagnosis Benign meaning not harmful, Paraproxysmal meaning turning on and off in nature, Positional meaning based on where the body is, and Vertigo or a spinning sensation.
If we dive a little deeper into what BPPV is or what causes BPPV. BPPV is caused by a small crystal (Otoconia) inside the inner ear that gets dislodged and is begins to float within the semicircular canals inside the ear. This causes for a disequilibrium when the crystal moves, making you feel a spinning sensation. The crystal can also get lodged on the cupula.
The Epley maneuver attempts to get the crystal out of the ear to decrease the sensation of dizziness. Watch the video below to learn how to test yourself at home to see if you have BPPV and how to perform the Epley maneuver.
Hopefully that video gave you a sense how to perform the Epley and correct BPPV. However, many times even after the crystal is out of the inner ear an individual can continue to get a sensation of dizziness. Usually the symptoms are different. People typically describe this as a foggy or floating sensation, IT IS NO LONGER SPINNING! This typically means the BPPV is corrected, but why are we still feeling floaty or foggy?
The inner ear and the canals are all a part of the vestibular system, a part of the body that helps with balance/equilibrium. When an individual has BPPV the brain tends to stop accepting information from the vestibular system because the information that was being delivered to the brain was not valid. Overtime this starts to weaken the vestibular system, causing for individuals to have this residual sense of fogginess. To decrease the fogginess the vestibular system needs to be trained and strengthened in order to decrease this sensation.
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