Does the world suddenly spin when you roll over in bed, lie down, or look up? If you’re experiencing these brief, intense episodes of dizziness, you may be suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
This is the most common cause of vertigo, and while it’s disorienting and frightening, it’s also highly treatable. At Vivekananda ENT Clinic, one of the most effective and immediate solutions we offer is the Epley Maneuver.
What is BPPV? The “Inner Ear Crystal” Problem
Inside your inner ear, you have tiny calcium carbonate crystals (called otoconia or “canaliths”). These crystals are essential for helping your brain detect gravity and your head’s position.
BPPV occurs when these crystals become dislodged from their normal spot (the utricle) and mistakenly float into one of the fluid-filled semicircular canals. When you move your head in specific ways, these “rogue” crystals move, sending false, powerful “spinning” signals to your brain. This is why BPPV is often triggered by simple movements like:
- Lying down or sitting up in bed
- Rolling over
- Tilting your head back (like at a dentist’s chair)
The Solution: What is the Epley Maneuver?
The Epley Maneuver, also known as the Canalith Repositioning Procedure (CRP), is not a medication or surgery. It is a simple, highly effective series of specific head and body movements performed by a specialist.
The goal is simple: to use gravity to guide the loose crystals out of the sensitive semicircular canal and back into the utricle, where they no longer cause symptoms.
Why You MUST Get a Professional Diagnosis First
The internet is full of “at-home” Epley maneuvers. However, attempting this without a proper diagnosis can be ineffective or, in some cases, make things worse.
Not all dizziness is BPPV. Your vertigo could be caused by other conditions like Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or even a migraine, none of which will respond to the Epley Maneuver.
At our vertigo clinic in Kolkata, an experienced ENT specialist like Dr. Pinaki Mazumder will first perform a diagnostic test to confirm BPPV and identify which ear and which canal is affected. This accurate diagnosis is the essential first step to successful treatment.
What to Expect During the Epley Maneuver
If BPPV is confirmed, your doctor will perform the maneuver right in the clinic.
- Starting Position: You will sit on the exam table with your head turned 45 degrees toward the affected side.
- Lying Back: Your specialist will quickly and safely guide you to lie back, with your head slightly extended off the table, still turned at 45 degrees. They will hold you in this position for about 30-60 seconds. You may feel a brief episode of vertigo—this is normal and means the crystals are moving.
- Head Turn: Your doctor will then turn your head 90 degrees to face the opposite side, without lifting it.
- Body Roll: You will be asked to roll onto your side (the way your head is facing), while the doctor guides your head to look toward the floor.
- Sitting Up: Finally, you will be helped back into a sitting position.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes. Many patients experience immediate and dramatic relief.
Your Vertigo Specialist in Kolkata
Don’t let the fear of a spinning world control your life. BPPV is a mechanical problem, and the Epley Maneuver is the mechanical solution. With success rates often exceeding 90% in just one or two sessions, it is the gold standard for BPPV treatment in Kolkata.
If you are tired of sudden dizziness, it’s time to get a clear diagnosis and effective treatment.
Stop the Spin! Book Your Vertigo Consultation Today
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