Epley Manoeuvre

The Epley manoeuvre is named after its creator, Dr John Epley, and is a repositioning technique used by a vestibular audiologist to treat dizziness caused BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo).

Because the canals in our inner ears are responsible for our feeling of balance, a disruption in the fluid in them can cause debilitating dizziness and even nausea. The Epley Manoeuvre is a canalith repositioning manoeuvre which directs free-floating crystals (“otoconia”) in the fluid of affected canal of the inner ear to move away from the area of the spatial orientation (balance) part of the inner ear, and therefore to stop disrupting the balance sensation of the client.

It involves moving the client’s head, shoulders and neck in a very specific sequence, on order to allow the inner ear fluid to move in a very particular way to disperse the problematic otoconia, which can then be re-absorbed naturally by the body in the correct place.

NICE (the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which tells NHS doctors which treatments to use for diseases and conditions) recommends the Epley Manoeuvre for BPPV [NG127; 1.2.6.]

Please note that Jennifer-Ann does NOT conduct an ear examination, nor a hearing test – you will need to see an audiologist for these.

Symptoms requiring that you have first consulted with GP/ Medical practitioner/111 include:

🚩 Acute / recent or new onset of balance problems or headaches.

🚩 Severe nausea and vomiting

🚩 Ongoing symptoms that have not yet been investigated through your GP

🚩 Otherwise feeling unwell

🚩 Visual disturbance (double vision), facial weakness or numbness, loss of control of your arms or legs

🚩 Acute/sudden loss or change in your hearing

References:

Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral
NICE guideline [NG127]Published: 01 May 2019 Last updated: 04 July 2019

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