REHAB SERVICES Q: I have heard that a person can treat vertigo at home after looking up the treatment on the internet. Is this true? Kathy Sawa, MPT A: The internet can be a great tool for finding more information, but in this case it likely isn't helpful. The treatment you are referring to is likely the Epley Maneuver. Yes, you can find this on the internet, but in order to do it correctly, you need to know which ear you are treating and in which semicircular canal the problem is located. If you don't have this information, the maneuver won't work and may make you feel worse. A physical therapist can do an evaluation to determine if this is the appropriate treatment for your vertigo as there are different vestibular disorders that can cause vertigo. The Epley maneuver will only work for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). If you have BPPV, the PT will be able to determine which ear and which canal need to be treated. The good news about BPPV is that it is usually treated successfully in just 1 or 2 treatments. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist for any type of vertigo, but the treatment will vary depending on which type you have. Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFO RD"| 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org TM Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: I have heard that a person can treat vertigo at home after looking up the treatment on the internet. Is this true? Kathy Sawa, MPT A: The internet can be a great tool for finding more information, but in this case it likely isn't helpful. The treatment you are referring to is likely the Epley Maneuver. Yes, you can find this on the internet, but in order to do it correctly, you need to know which ear you are treating and in which semicircular canal the problem is located. If you don't have this information, the maneuver won't work and may make you feel worse. A physical therapist can do an evaluation to determine if this is the appropriate treatment for your vertigo as there are different vestibular disorders that can cause vertigo. The Epley maneuver will only work for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). If you have BPPV, the PT will be able to determine which ear and which canal need to be treated. The good news about BPPV is that it is usually treated successfully in just 1 or 2 treatments. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist for any type of vertigo, but the treatment will vary depending on which type you have. Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFO RD"| 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org TM Bemidji