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What Causes Dizziness After Epley Maneuver?

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2016

Question: Hi, my ENT RECOMMENDED I try The epley maneuver at home to try and relieve bppv symptoms I've been having. So I tired it at home 2 days ago, the procedure made me very very dizzy. But I'm now concerned something went wrong as I'm now experiencing new symptoms that I never experienced before. For example moving my head left to right or up and down was never an issue, now I feel mild symptoms when doing that, so i now have new symptoms after doing the maneuver, why would that happen? I'm wondering if I did something wrong or crystals have moved to another location? My bppv symptoms prior to doing the Epley were primarily felt only when laying down on my right side, that seems to have improved. Now after the Epley, just moving my head left and right I get very mild bppv feeling (not extreme vertigo), Is it possible I didn't do the procedure entirely correct and caused myself an inner ear issue (ie crystals didn't move out or moved somewhere else?). Thinking about doing the procedure again but not sure if that's best. Appreciate your thoughts on next best steps to deal with the new symptoms (these new symptoms, are a big impact on quality of life)

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Brandt Daroff exercises, Semonts, log roll maneuver. DizzyFix for Epley's.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The Epley's maneuver is usually not advised immediately as there is some chance of converting a posterior canal BPPV into an anterior canal BPPV of the opposite side. This can happen because these two canals are parallel to each other.

2. The Brandt Daroff exercises, the Semont's maneuver are better initially followed by the Epley's maneuver. In your case the log roll maneuver will help.

3. Use a DizzyFix device to repeat the Epley's Maneuver.

4. None of these liberatory maneuvers are harmful. Some amount of dizziness is expected. Brain fog also affects most patients in the first week and then resolves. Sometimes there is more than one dizziness causing condition present at the same time.

5. Let me know the progress.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (4 minutes later)

Hi, thank you, so are you suggesting to repeat Epley then do log roll? Or should I just try log roll next?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, repeat Epley's, use DizzyFix. Sleep propped up x 2 days. Log roll next

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Yes, repeat the Epley's, but use a DizzyFix device if possible.

2. Sleep with a 30 degree upright posture for the first two days after doing the Epley's maneuver (a bit difficult), or use at least two pillows (do not sleep flat on the bed) at night.

3. Use the log roll maneuver if this does not work.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (18 minutes later)

Thanks and what should I MAKE SURE MY ENT does with me on next visit?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Specialized Tests.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. A repeat testing and maneuvers should be done by your ENT Specialist.

2. An Ear examination, Audiometry, VNG (Video NystagmoGraphy), VHIT (Video Head Impulse Test), Caloric Test, other tests and neurological work-up if necessary.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar