by Carly Nenn, PTA

Have you been diagnosed with vertigo? We can help!

Vertigo is a common condition in which crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and cause symptoms of spinning, dizziness, nausea, and rapid eye movement.  Primary care physicians often prescribe medications for this condition, however, medication only masks the symptoms.  Treatment of vertigo requires a specific set of head and body movements called the Epley Maneuver.  The Epley Maneuver must be administered by a licensed professional and once completed, majority of patients will experience relief of vertigo symptoms in less than 24 hours.       

The human ear contains small “crystals” called otoliths located in the saccule or utricle of the inner ear.  The otoliths are responsible for balance and sensory feedback to the brain.  Due to some internal and external factors, these crystals can become dislodged or flake off causing them to get caught in one of the three canals of the inner ear. Once the otoliths get caught in the canals, they throw off the equilibrium of the body and cause a dizzy and spinning sensation that can last as long as the crystal stays in the canals. 

Common causes of vertigo are allergies, sinus build up, head injuries, rapid movement of the end, or prolonged extension of the head in a supine position.  Physicians will often prescribe Meclizine in order to mask the symptoms of dizziness and nausea.  However, the only successful treatment is to get the otoliths back to their “home base” or in the saccule or utricle of the inner ear and regain the body’s normal state of equilibrium.

The Epley Maneuver is a precise set of head movements performed by a specialist in order to get the otoliths back into the saccule or utricle of the inner ear.  Before the Epley maneuver is performed, a set of tests must be run in order to rule out other pathologies or contraindications to this method. If a patient tests positive for vertigo and undergoes the Epley Maneuver, than majority of patients can expect relief of vertigo symptoms almost immediately.

The Epley Maneuver takes less than 30 minutes and is performed here at Pritchette Physical Therapy.  If you suffer from vertigo, there is help for you!