Brandt-Daroff exercises are movements that can treat the symptoms of vertigo. They involve moving from a lying down position to a sitting position. People can do these exercises at home without equipment.

Vertigo causes people to feel as though they are spinning. It can be due to an underlying condition, such as inner ear problems. Another possible cause is standing up or moving the head too quickly.

Keep reading for more information on how Brandt-Daroff exercises can help with vertigo and how to perform them.

Brandt-Daroff exercises are a set of movements that can help people recover quickly from vertigo. They involve shifting from lying down to a sitting position.

Although people will sometimes perform Brandt-Daroff exercises in a clinical setting, most people living with vertigo will do Brandt-Daroff exercises at home.

It is possible to perform Brandt-Daroff exercises without any special equipment. A person can use any soft surface, such as a mat on the floor or the edge of a bed or couch.

To perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises:

  1. Sit on the edge of a mat, couch, or bed.
  2. Turn the head about 45 degrees to the right.
  3. Lower down onto the left side of the body, keeping the head in the same position.
  4. Tuck the legs in so that they are resting on the couch, bed, or mat.
  5. Lie on the side for 30 seconds. If vertigo symptoms are present, stay there until the dizziness stops, and then wait for another 30 seconds.
  6. Slowly raise back up to a sitting position.
  7. Turn the head back to the center.
  8. Repeat these steps on the other side.

Some evidence suggests that Brandt-Daroff exercises are effective because they are a type of exposure therapy.

Exposure therapy involves putting people in situations that are safe but usually trigger symptoms. Sometimes, this helps reduce symptoms more generally.

According to a 2018 study, Brandt-Daroff exercises work by repeatedly exposing people to dizziness. The repeated exposure might help people recover from vertigo faster as the body learns to deal with it.

There is some evidence that Brandt-Daroff exercises are effective in treating vertigo. However, other exercises might be better for some people.

A 2012 study found that Brandt-Daroff exercises were less effective than another exercise called the particle repositioning maneuver. Another study found that the Epley and rolling-over maneuvers were better for treating vertigo.

The authors of this study recommend using the Epley maneuver for symptoms that occur in an office setting and the rolling-over maneuver for at-home treatment.

Brandt-Daroff exercises may trigger the sensation of vertigo, which can cause lightheadedness and a loss of balance.

This risk is highest when a person first starts Brandt-Daroff exercises. Over time, the side effects should go away, and the person should notice some benefits from the exercise.

When performing the exercises at home, it is important to prepare for the possible loss of balance. People can do this by ensuring that the surrounding area is soft and that there are no sharp objects close by. It is also advisable to keep a good distance away from walls or doors.

If possible, people should use a soft mat on the floor. For the first few times that a person tries Brandt-Daroff exercises, it is also helpful to have someone else present. They can help ensure that the individual maintains good form when performing the exercises and avoids injuries.

The main difference between the Brandt-Daroff maneuver and the Epley maneuver is the difficulty. The Epley maneuver is more challenging than the Brandt-Daroff exercise.

It is safer to perform the Epley maneuver only in a clinical setting with a doctor or another healthcare provider. This exercise may not always be practical when symptoms occur at home.

Brandt-Daroff exercises are, however, easy to perform at home.

Both methods can be effective in treating vertigo. People who are unsure can talk to a doctor about the most suitable approach.

Learn more about the Epley maneuver here.

It is best to see a doctor if vertigo is becoming a regular experience. A doctor can help identify what is causing the symptoms.

In some cases, treatment will be necessary to treat an underlying condition. For example, antibiotics can treat an ear infection that may cause vertigo. Treating the underlying cause will often reduce or eliminate feelings of vertigo.

A doctor can also review what medications could be causing vertigo. They may be able to suggest an alternative treatment that does not lead to vertigo.

If a person’s symptoms are due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a doctor may recommend vestibular rehabilitation therapy. This therapy uses exercises to improve the vestibular system, which helps control balance and eye movements.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps manage the symptoms of vertigo.

Brandt-Daroff exercises can treat the symptoms of vertigo. A common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Brandt-Daroff exercises are effective for some people, but others might benefit more from different methods, such as the Epley maneuver.

It is best to discuss with a doctor what method to use for treating vertigo. They may also recommend additional treatments, such as vestibular rehabilitation.