Handout for patients
Semont Maneuver
Empower your vestibular rehabilitation practice with our comprehensive Semont Maneuver PDF guide, designed for healthcare professionals. This easy-to-follow resource provides clear, step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations to help patients perform the Semont Maneuver at home. Enhance your care approach by providing effective, at-home solutions for managing positional vertigo, supporting your patients on their journey to recovery.
Download the Semont Maneuver PDF and improve patient outcomes by delivering targeted balance therapy that enhances quality of life.
Step-by-Step Guide: Semont Maneuver for BPPV
The Semont Maneuver is a therapeutic exercise designed to alleviate symptoms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by repositioning dislodged otoconia within the inner ear. The maneuver differs slightly depending on whether the right or left ear is affected.
For Left Ear BPPV:
Starting Position: Sit on the edge of a bed and turn your head approximately 45 degrees to the right.
Step 1: Quickly lie down onto your left side, keeping your head turned to the right. You should be looking up at the ceiling while lying on your left shoulder and hip. This may induce dizziness. Remain in this position until the dizziness subsides or for at least 1 minute. For added comfort, you can bring your feet up onto the bed while waiting.
Step 2: In one smooth motion, drop your feet off the bed and quickly sit up without changing your head position (maintain the 45-degree right turn). Without pausing, continue to lie down onto your right side. Your eyes and nose should now be pointing down toward the bed, with your forehead resting on the bed and your chin tucked toward your chest. This position may also cause dizziness. Stay in this position until the dizziness passes or for at least 1 minute. Bringing your feet up onto the bed can provide comfort during this step.
Step 3: After waiting at least 1 minute in the right side-lying position with your nose down, drop your feet off the bed and slowly return to a sitting position on the side of the bed, bringing your head gently to the center. Sit until any symptoms resolve.
It’s important to perform these movements smoothly and to remain in each position for the recommended time to allow the otoconia to settle properly. If you experience significant discomfort or if symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
For visual guidance and additional information, you can download the Semont Maneuver PDF