The Epley maneuver is a series of specially choreographed movements designed to treat the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is caused by a problem in your inner ear. The inner ear consists of semicircular canals that detect motion and send this information to your brain. The utricle is a nearby part of the ear that contains calcium crystals that also help detect movement.

Sometimes these crystals detach from the utricle and end up inside the semicircular canals. When these crystals move inside the canals, they may send incorrect signals to your brain about your position. This can make you feel like the world is spinning, leading to a sensation of dizziness. Following a positive test for BPPV, an Epley Maneuver is conducted to dislodge the crystals from the semicircular canals and bring them back to the utricle.