Dizziness Treatment
Canalith Repositioning Procedure
Related terms: Canalith repositioning, Epley maneuver
A canalith repositioning procedure is a treatment that returns displaced otoconia to their original position by changing the posture of the head and body.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Yeon-seung Choi · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is a canalith repositioning procedure?
BPPVFirst, the position and direction of the displaced otoconia are identified through positional testing and a canalith repositioning procedure. If residual dizziness, neck stiffness, or motion-sickness-like sensations persist, or if repeated recurrence leads to avoiding movement, systemic conditions that delay recovery are examined separately. A canalith repositioning procedure is a treatment that returns displaced otoconia to their original position by changing the posture of the head and body.
- Easily confused terms
- Vestibular RehabilitationVestibular rehabilitation is an exercise to help adapt to remaining balance discomfort, whereas a canalith repositioning procedure is a treatment to correct the position of the otoconia.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- For BPPV, the position and direction of the displaced otoconia are first identified through positional testing and a canalith repositioning procedure. After that, Residual Dizzinessif residual dizziness, neck stiffness, or motion-sickness-like sensations persist, or if repeated recurrence leads to avoiding movement, systemic conditions that delay recovery are examined separately.
- What to note down for your visit
- Please record the following with the date and show it during your medical evaluation: the exact posture and duration that trigger the spinning sensation, the date and direction of the repositioning procedure, any remaining sensations, avoidance of head movement, neck tension, sleeping posture, and recovery the following day.
Dizziness, Ear, Head, and Face Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check simple definitions before proceeding to detailed explanations.Benign Paroxysmal Positional VertigoBenign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a common vestibular disorder characterized by short episodes of rotational dizziness and characteristic nystagmus that occur when the head position changes.Residual dizzinessResidual dizziness refers to a state where the short, intense spinning sensation has decreased after a canalith repositioning procedure, but a feeling of floating or instability remains. If the spinning sensation recurs in the same posture, a re-evaluation for otolithiasis is prioritized; if discomfort with movement or screens remains without spinning, vestibular rehabilitation is considered. In Baekrokdam medical evaluations, we do not replace vestibular rehabilitation, but instead determine the scope of acupuncture and herbal medicine treatment by examining whether nausea, neck tension, or poor sleep are hindering recovery.Vestibular RehabilitationVestibular rehabilitation is a treatment that helps the sense of balance readapt through exercises involving the movement of the eyes, head, and body. It is particularly important when gradually expanding the range of movements that were previously avoided, such as rotating in bed, turning the head, walking, looking at screens, visiting supermarkets, or riding in vehicles.
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Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideBPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)A typical symptom of BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is the sudden onset of brief vertigo, feeling as if you or the room is spinning, immediately after assuming a specific head position. It often occurs when rolling over in bed, lying down, standing up, looking up, or bending over, and tends to stop when the position is reversed. Nausea and instability may overlap, but new hearing loss or ear fullness is not typical. If dizziness persists even while still, or if one-sided weakness, slurred speech, double vision, or inability to walk occurs, do not wait for a BPPV evaluation and seek evaluation immediately.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf you still feel floating or unsteady after a canalith repositioning procedureAfter a canalith repositioning procedure, the sensation of spinning may decrease, but a feeling of floating or instability may remain. First, check if you experience brief spinning again when changing positions. If not, note where you are still struggling, such as rotating in bed, turning your head, walking, looking at screens, visiting supermarkets, or being in a vehicle, and discuss the scope of re-evaluation, vestibular rehabilitation, and Korean medicine treatment. The next steps will differ depending on whether the spinning recurs when rotating in bed or if it only remains under complex stimulation like screens, supermarkets, or vehicles.→
- Head, Ear, and Face ColumnIf a floating or staggering sensation remains even after a canalith repositioning procedure→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment descriptions.
- NIDCD: Ménière’s DiseaseConnection between episodic dizziness and hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness