Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver (or Epley repositioning procedure) is a series of movements designed to relieve vertigo. It works by moving the fluid in the semicircular canals back into the correct position, thus correcting the imbalance which causes vertigo.
Using this procedure on someone with vertigo is easy. First, they need to be lying down. Then, you will ask them to sit up and lean forward slightly, keeping their head as still as possible. As soon as they sit up, you will start moving their head from side to side for about 10 seconds at each side, constantly counting off the seconds aloud so that you’re sure to finish in about 30 seconds. After that, you’ll move their head forward for 10 seconds, backward for 10 seconds, then rotate it in a circle for 10 seconds.
The patient should not be touching anything while being moved—you should be doing all the movement yourself. You can put your hand under their chest or back to steady them if they’re swaying or jerking around too much when you’re ready to move them.
Once you’ve completed all the movements, the patient should be in a safe position where they can’t fall over or hurt themselves. You can repeat the process if they’re still confused until they become alert and oriented.
