A half somersault maneuver is a multi-step technique used to treat the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

BPPV is a common type of vertigo that develops when crystals inside the inner ear fall out of place, causing sensations of rotation. This can lead to severe dizziness when the head changes between certain positions, especially after lying flat.

While vertigo and other balance disorders are not considered life-threatening, the symptoms of BPPV can disrupt your day-to-day activities. It’s estimated that about 50% of adults will experience BPPV at some point, especially later in life.

A doctor can recommend treatments for BPPV to help reduce the number of episodes you experience. The half somersault maneuver is a possible therapy indicated for one type of BPPV, known as posterior canal BPPV.

If you’re curious about how a half somersault maneuver could help improve symptoms of BPPV, consider talking with a doctor about how this technique works, along with its potential benefits and side effects.

A half somersault maneuver is a type of particle repositioning maneuver to treat BPPV. It’s used to help move loose ear crystals back into their correct places with the help of gravitational force guided by specific head movements.

In theory, once the ear crystals are back in the correct part of your ear canal, symptoms such as spinning and dizzy-like sensations will improve.

With that said, there is an important caveat to consider. Like other types of repositioning maneuvers, a half somersault is only recommended for posterior canal BPPV.

As such, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional that specializes in vestibular disorders, such as an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist. In some cases, a physical therapist may also help treat BPPV.

The half somersault maneuver is designed to move ear crystals back into place within the affected ear. Like other repositioning techniques, this exercise focuses on the affected ear (or one ear at a time if you have BPPV in both ears).

A doctor or physical therapist will help you perform the following steps:

  1. From a kneeling position on the floor, tilt your head straight up with your chin pointed towards the ceiling. Your hands should be firmly placed downward, about shoulder-length apart.
  2. Next, slowly move your head towards the direction of your knees in a somersault-like position while also bending your elbows in 90-degree angles. The back of your head should be touching the floor; to help with this position, try tucking your chin towards your chest.
  3. Gradually turn your head toward your elbow on the affected side as you try to move your ear perpendicular to the inside of your elbow as much as possible.
  4. Next, move your head quickly back into a neutral position, but keep facing it towards your right arm. Wait for 15 seconds before continuing to step 5.
  5. Slowly move your head back into an upright facing position.
  6. Rest for 15 minutes and repeat the process, if you experience dizziness after tipping your head up and down as a test. You can also repeat if needed.

It’s important to note that this exercise may cause temporary vertigo symptoms during step 2. This is expected and indicates that your ear crystals are moving. However, you should hold off on turning your head in step 3 until your symptoms have subsided.

If you do experience vertigo during any of these steps, stay in position until the symptoms improve. You can also gently tap your fingers behind the ear you are working on to encourage further movement of ear crystals.

In most cases, BPPV can get better on its own without treatment, but the symptoms can be extremely disruptive in daily life. In fact, without treatment, BPPV may last for several months.

Repositioning maneuvers like the half somersault play an important role in the prognosis of BPPV. It’s estimated that a third of all people with BPPV enter remission after three weeks, with most seeing complete relief within six months.

However, it’s also important to know that BPPV can sometimes be a recurring condition, and possibly require additional repositioning treatments in the future.

While particle repositioning maneuvers can offer relief from BPPV, there are also possible side effects to be aware of. These include:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • feelings of imbalance
  • symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, such as dizziness, fatigue, and fainting
  • development of other types of canal BPPV, such as anterior and lateral

It’s also possible to experience side effects, such as mild dizziness and balance issues.

Furthermore, repositioning techniques like the half somersault maneuver are not recommended if you have any of the following:

Both the half somersault and the Epley maneuvers can be used to treat posterior canal BPPV. Each option is considered highly effective in BPPV symptoms, but the Epley maneuver is thought to help with fewer treatments with a higher risk of side effects.

Interestingly, some research suggests that despite the emphasis of the Epley maneuver, the half somersault maneuver might possibly provide similar results as well as fewer residual episodes of dizziness.

The Epley maneuver can also cause more side effects, such as nausea and fainting. These are attributed to key differences in the initial steps of each technique. While movement of ear crystals in a half somersault maneuver go against fluid movement direction, the Epley maneuver does not.

One caveat though, per a 2021 study, is that the Epley maneuver may help resolve BPPV with fewer treatment sessions. People using the half somersault maneuver, on the other hand, might need at least four treatments.

Overall, more studies are needed to compare the two repositioning maneuvers, but it is also worth talking with a doctor about the pros and cons of each for your case of BPPV.

A half somersault maneuver is a repositioning technique used to relieve symptoms of posterior canal BPPV. While considered effective, the exercises may need to be repeated several times. At the same time, this maneuver is not associated with as many side effects.

If you have been diagnosed with BPPV, or suspect you might have this common type of vertigo, consider talking with a doctor about repositioning techniques like the half somersault maneuver.

A healthcare professional might give you instructions for using the half somersault maneuver at home, but it’s important to discuss this with them before attempting any exercises for BPPV relief on your own.