Half-somersault maneuver: at-home BPPV treatment

Designed by Dr. Carol Foster, the half-somersault treats posterior-canal BPPV without needing to extend your neck — ideal when the Epley maneuver isn't an option.

When to choose it

  • Limited neck mobility or chronic neck pain
  • Difficulty doing the Epley alone
  • Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (avoid head-hanging positions)
  • Preference for a kneeling, eyes-on-floor posture

Confirm posterior-canal BPPV first with a Dix-Hallpike test.

Step-by-step

Steps below assume right-ear BPPV. For the left ear, turn the head 45° to the left instead.

  1. 1. Kneel and look up

    Kneel on a carpeted floor. Tilt your head to look straight up at the ceiling. Hold a few seconds — mild vertigo is OK.

  2. 2. Place the top of your head on the floor

    Tuck your chin and lean forward so the crown of your head rests on the floor, as if starting a somersault. Wait until any vertigo stops.

  3. 3. Turn head 45° to the right

    Rotate your head 45° toward the affected (right) ear so you're looking at your right elbow. Hold for 30 seconds.

  4. 4. Lift head to back level

    Keeping the head rotated, raise it so it's level with your back (like a table-top). Hold 30 seconds.

  5. 5. Sit up fully

    Lift your head and torso fully upright while still kneeling. Hold 30 seconds, then stand slowly.

How often to repeat

Once or twice daily until 24 hours symptom-free. If nothing changes after a week, try the Epley or Semont maneuver, or see a vestibular physiotherapist.

Related BPPV guides

Frequently asked questions

What is the half-somersault maneuver?
Developed by Dr. Carol Foster, the half-somersault (or 'Foster maneuver') is a self-treatment for posterior-canal BPPV that uses a kneeling, head-down posture instead of the head-hanging position used by the Epley.
Is the half-somersault as effective as the Epley?
Studies show comparable effectiveness for posterior-canal BPPV, with success rates around 65–85% over 1–3 sessions. The Epley is slightly more efficient per session, but the half-somersault is easier to do alone and avoids neck extension.
Who should use the half-somersault instead of the Epley?
People with limited neck mobility, neck pain, or vertebrobasilar insufficiency who can't safely tilt the head back. It's also a good option if doing the Epley alone is awkward.
How do I do the half-somersault step by step?
Kneel and look up at the ceiling. Tuck your chin and place the top of your head on the floor as if starting a somersault. Turn your head 45° toward the affected ear and hold until vertigo stops. Lift your head halfway up (back level) and hold. Lift to fully upright kneeling and hold. Stand up slowly.