FIVE TIPS FOR MANAGING BENIGN POSITIONAL VERTIGO
1.) Calm Down
I have found stress can bring on BPV as much as anything. If you are involved in a stressful incident whether at work or at home, take a moment to close your eyes and relax count to ten. This will lower your blood pressure and can prevent an attack.
2.) The Epley Maneuver
The Epley Maneuver consists of a series of repeated head movements to reposition the particles and prevent BPV attacks. If I have had recent attacks or feel one coming on, I try to do the Epley Maneuver twice a day once in the morning when I get up and once in the evening but you can do it as many times as you need. The first time I did it I was shown how to by a physical therapist but if you want to try on your own directions are here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epley_maneuver
3.) Stand Up and Walk Around
When a BPV attack comes on, the resulting dizziness makes one feel like lying down. This is of course natural. However, walking around will reposition the head so the debris shift therefore bringing a quicker end to the attack. It is an unpleasant feeling to say the least to walk around when having an attack and in a worst case scenario can lead to vomiting but the attack will pass quicker if you remain on your feet.
4.) Hot vs. Cold
I live in a tropical climate and I find I have more attacks in intense heat than I do in a cooler climate. If I feel an attack coming on, I will seek out an air conditioned area. I have been successful in postponing an attack by cooling myself down. An ice cube applied to the temple can also help.
5.) Make Slow, Deliberate Movements
Most important of all, nothing is more likely to bring on BPV than a sudden bending over or shifting to one side. Once you know you have BPV, movement becomes very, very important. One of my worst attacks was when I was moving house and I bent over quickly to pick up the side of a bureau. These type of tasks must be handled slowly and cautiously to allow the head to adjust.
****A Note About Medication
A doctor I was seeing about my condition some years ago suggested taking two tablets of Stugeron, a medicine used for seasickness and other types of motion sickness, when I have an attack. I have found this works in ending a BPV attack. It takes about ten minutes to work. One side effect though is grogginess that can last for day or so after taking.
