If you want your calcium carbonate crystals in the right place so that the room stops spinning so suddenly, a doctor might manipulate your head this way. What is this manipulation called?

McGruff

The Epley Maneuver In Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) dizziness is thought to be due to debris which has collected within a part of the inner ear. This debris can be thought of as "ear rocks", although the formal name is "otoconia". Ear rocks are small crystals of calcium carbonate derived from a structure in the ear called the "utricle". BPPV is a common cause of dizziness. About 20% of all dizziness is due to BPPV. The older you are, the more likely it is that your dizziness is due to BPPV, as about 50% of all dizziness in older people is due to BPPV. In a recent study, 9% of a group of urban dwelling elders were found to have undiagnosed BPPV. http://www.tchain.com/otoneurology/disorders/bppv/bppv.html Here is a diagram and explanation of the Epley Maneuver: http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_ha/figures/fg20_1.html Oct 20 08, 9:27 PM

edmund80

Yes, the Epley maneuver can shift those otoconia into the correct spot. It is much like that toy wherein you attempt to drop balls into the right holes by shifting the entire thing this way and that way, only the movements are specified. Contraindications to performing the Epley maneuver include unstable heart disease, high grade carotid stenosis, ongoing CNS disease (stroke or TIA), and severe neck disease. Relative contraindications include pregnant women beyond the 24th week gestation (to avoid the supine hypotension syndrome). http://www.ferne.org/Lectures/changaaem0903.htm Oct 20 08, 9:53 PM