The Brandt-Daroff exercise is one of several exercises intended to speed up the compensation process and end the symptoms of vertigo. Brandt-Daroff exercises are often prescribed for people with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and sometimes for labyrinthitis. These exercises will not cure these conditions, but over time they can reduce symptoms of vertigo.

The Brandt-Daroff exercise is effective in relieving symptoms of BPPV and possibly other conditions causing vertigo. But this exercise may cause vertigo and the nausea and vomiting that sometimes accompany it. This can discourage people from continuing the exercise, especially when the vertigo is severe enough to cause nausea and vomiting.

The Brandt-Daroff exercise is done as follows:

1/ Sit on the edge of a bed or sofa, and quickly lean to the side that causes the worst vertigo. You should end up lying on your side with your ear down.
2/ Remain in this position until either the vertigo goes away or 30 seconds have passed.
3/ Sit up. If this causes vertigo, wait for it to stop. Repeat the procedure on the other side.

People using this exercise usually are instructed to do 20 repetitions of the exercise at least twice a day.

Symptoms sometimes suddenly go away during an exercise period. More often, improvement occurs gradually over a period of weeks or months.