The Gufoni maneuver is a simple, drug-free repositioning treatment used for lateral (horizontal) canal BPPV — a less common type of BPPV than the posterior-canal form treated by the Epley maneuver. It uses a quick sit-to-side-lying movement to guide the displaced inner-ear crystals out of the horizontal canal. It's particularly useful for the apogeotropic variant of lateral-canal BPPV, which can be harder to clear with other methods. Like all repositioning maneuvers, it works best when a clinician has first confirmed which canal and which side are affected, so it should be done after proper diagnosis rather than guessed at home. If you have position-triggered spinning, get assessed.
What is the Gufoni maneuver?
It's a brief, targeted set of positions — sitting, then lying quickly onto one side, then turning the head — designed to move crystals within the horizontal semicircular canal back to where they belong. It's quick to perform and generally well tolerated.
Which BPPV it treats
Lateral-canal BPPV comes in two patterns based on the direction of the eye movements seen on testing:
- Geotropic variant (crystals free-floating in the canal)
- Apogeotropic variant (crystals near or stuck to the canal's sensor)
The Gufoni maneuver (and its modified version) is chosen based on which variant and side are present — which is exactly why the diagnostic test comes first.
How it differs from Epley and the BBQ roll
- Epley maneuver treats posterior-canal BPPV (the most common type) — see Epley maneuver.
- BBQ (barbecue) roll is another lateral-canal treatment (a 360° log-roll) — see BBQ roll maneuver.
- Gufoni is a lateral-canal alternative that's quick and especially handy for the apogeotropic variant. Your doctor picks the maneuver that matches the canal, variant, and side.
How it's performed (general steps)
In simple terms, the clinician seats you, then has you lie rapidly onto a chosen side, waits briefly, then turns your head, before sitting you back up — the exact side and head-turn depend on the diagnosis. This is a clinician-guided maneuver; the precise sequence differs for geotropic vs apogeotropic and left vs right, so it isn't a reliable do-it-yourself routine.
After the maneuver
You may feel brief dizziness during or just after. Your doctor may repeat the maneuver or recheck you, and will advise on any follow-up. Lateral-canal BPPV, like other BPPV, can recur — but usually responds again to treatment.
Red flags — when it isn't BPPV
BPPV causes brief, position-triggered spinning with normal hearing. Seek urgent care instead for constant severe vertigo, sudden hearing loss, severe headache, weakness or numbness, facial droop, slurred speech, double vision, or trouble walking.
Consult Dr. Prateek Porwal
If position-triggered vertigo is troubling you, an assessment can identify the exact canal and treat it correctly. Dr. Prateek Porwal, ENT and vertigo specialist at Prime ENT Center, offers diagnosis and repositioning treatment for all BPPV types.
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FAQ
What is the Gufoni maneuver for?
Treating lateral (horizontal) canal BPPV, including the apogeotropic variant, by repositioning inner-ear crystals.
Gufoni vs BBQ roll?
Both treat lateral-canal BPPV; Gufoni is quick and useful for the apogeotropic variant, while the BBQ roll is a 360° log-roll. The doctor chooses based on the diagnosis.
Can I do the Gufoni maneuver at home?
It should be done after a clinician confirms the canal, variant, and side — the correct sequence varies, so it isn't a reliable DIY routine.
Which symptoms need urgent care?
Constant severe vertigo, sudden hearing loss, severe headache, weakness/numbness, facial droop, slurred speech, double vision, or trouble walking.
References
Medical disclaimer: This page is for patient education only and does not replace examination, diagnosis, emergency care, or a personalized treatment plan from a qualified doctor.
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