Wishing Dr. Counts a Wonderful Retirement! Dr. Wynd Counts will be retiring on November 14, 2025.
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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Brandt-Daroff Exercise for Vertigo

The Brandt-Daroff exercise is one of several exercises that can speed up the compensation process and ease the symptoms of vertigo. If other treatments fail, it may be prescribed for people who have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and sometimes for labyrinthitis. These exercises won't cure these conditions. But over time they can reduce symptoms of vertigo.

People who use this exercise usually are told to do several repetitions of the exercise at least twice a day.

How It Is Done

Sit up tall on the side of a bed.

Turn your head about halfway (45 degrees) toward your right shoulder, and quickly lower yourself onto your left side. Your head should stay turned halfway toward your shoulder as you quickly lie down. Bring your legs up on the bed as you lie down.

Stay in this position for about 30 seconds. If you have vertigo symptoms that last more than 30 seconds, stay in this position until they stop.

Move back to the seated position. Repeat these steps on the other side.

What To Expect

Symptoms sometimes suddenly go away during an exercise period. More often, improvement occurs gradually over a period of weeks or months.

Why It Is Done

The Brandt-Daroff exercise and other similar exercises are sometimes used to treat vertigo caused by inner ear problems.

How Well It Works

This exercise can help your body get used to the confusing signals that are causing your vertigo. This may help you get over your vertigo sooner.

The Brandt-Daroff exercise does not help relieve the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) as well as the Semont maneuver or the Epley maneuver does.

Risks

Some risks include triggering vertigo, which could increase nausea and vomiting. Since you need to lie down quickly, make sure you won't hit your head on anything.

Credits

Current as of: October 27, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Top of the page

Current as of: October 27, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Happy Upcoming Retirement, Dr. Counts!

After 31 years of dedicated care, Dr. Wynd Counts will be retiring on November 14, 2025. We are grateful for her incredible impact and invite you to join us in congratulating her on a well-earned retirement. Her trusted colleagues at Women’s Care of Alaska will continue to provide the exceptional care you deserve.

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