Brandt-Daroff Exercise for Vertigo
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The
Brandt-Daroff exercise is one of several exercises
intended to speed up the
compensation process and end the symptoms of vertigo.
It often is prescribed for people who have
benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and
sometimes for
labyrinthitis. These exercises will not cure these
conditions. But over time they can reduce symptoms of vertigo.
To do the
Brandt-Daroff exercise:
- Start in an upright, seated position.
- Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up at about a 45-degree angle.
- Remain in this position for about 30 seconds (or until the vertigo subsides, whichever is longer). Then move back to the seated position.
- Repeat on the other side.
People who use this exercise usually are instructed to do multiple
repetitions of the exercise at least twice a day.
What To Expect After Treatment
Symptoms sometimes suddenly go away
during an exercise period. More often, improvement occurs gradually over a
period of weeks or months.
Why It Is Done
The Brandt-Daroff exercise and other
similar exercises are used to treat BPPV. These exercises are sometimes used to treat labyrinthitis
or vestibular neuritis.
How Well It Works
These exercises can help your body get used
to the confusing signals that are causing your vertigo. This may help you get
over your vertigo sooner.
The Brandt-Daroff exercise does not
help relieve the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) as
well as the Semont maneuver or the Epley maneuver.footnote 1
Risks
There are no risks in doing these exercises.
To avoid hitting your head or
developing minor neck injuries, be careful not to lie down too quickly.
What To Think About
The Brandt-Daroff exercise is
effective in relieving symptoms of BPPV and possibly other conditions causing
vertigo. But this exercise may cause vertigo and the nausea and vomiting that
sometimes accompany it. This can discourage people from continuing the
exercise, especially when the vertigo is severe enough to cause nausea and
vomiting.
Vertigo often goes away without treatment. So it is hard
to know just how effective this exercise really is.
Other similar
exercises may also be recommended by your doctor to help resolve your vertigo
symptoms.
Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.
References
Citations
- Fife TD, et al. (2008). Practice parameter: Therapies for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (an evidence-based review). Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 70(22): 2067-2074.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Current as of:
May 4, 2017
Fife TD, et al. (2008). Practice parameter: Therapies for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (an evidence-based review). Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 70(22): 2067-2074.