Brandt-Daroff Exercises
by James V. Crawford, MD, MAJ, MC
If the Epley maneuvers fail, occasionally another home exercise will solve the problem. These Brandt-Daroff exercises are performed in three sets per day for two weeks. In each set, the maneuver is preformed as shown five times. Suggested Schedule for Brandt-Daroff exercises:
| Time |
Exercise |
Duration |
| Morning |
5 repetitions |
10 minutes |
| Noon |
5 repetitions |
10 minutes |
| Evening |
5 repetitions |
10 minutes |
1 repetition = maneuver done to each side in turn (takes 2 minutes) Start sitting upright (position 1). Then move into the side-lying position (position 2), with the head angled upward about halfway. An easy way to remember this is to imagine someone standing about 6 feet in front of you, and just keep looking at their head as you lie onto your side. Stay in the side-lying position for 30 seconds, or until the dizziness subsides, whichever is longer, then go back to the sitting position (position 3). Stay there for 30 seconds, and then go to the opposite side (position 4) and follow the same routine. These exercises should be performed for two weeks, three times per day, or for three weeks, twice a day. This adds up to 52 sets in total. In most persons, complete relief from symptoms is obtained after 30 sets, or about 10 days.