Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off- balance. If you have these dizzy spells, you might feel like you are spinning or that the world around you is spinning.
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo is often caused by an inner ear problem. Some of the most common causes include:
1. BPPV
These initials stand for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) are dislodged from their normal location and collect in the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. It helps you keep your balance.
BPPV can occur for no known reason and may be associated with age.
2. Meniere's Disease
This is an inner ear disorder which is thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear. It can cause episodes of vertigo along with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.
3. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
This is an inner ear problem usually related to infection (usually viral). The infection causes inflammation in the inner ear around nerves that are important for helping the body sense balance.
Less often vertigo may be associated with:
- Head or neck injury.
- Brain problems such as stroke or tumor.
- Certain medications that cause ear damage.
- Migraine headaches.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo is often triggered by a change in the position of your head.
People with vertigo typically describe it as feeling like they are:
- Spinning
- Tilting
- Swaying
- Unbalanced
- Pulled to one direction
Other symptoms that may accompany vertigo include:
- Feeling nauseated
- Vomiting
- Abnormal or jerking eye movements (nystagmus)
- Headache
- Sweating
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
Treatment
Most of the time, vertigo resolves without treatment, as the brain can compensate for changes to the inner ear to restore someone’s balance.
However, Medications, such as steroids, can reduce inner ear inflammation, and water pills can reduce fluid buildup.
For people who have recurrent episodes of vertigo, a physical therapy called vestibular rehabilitation can help. Vestibular rehabilitation encourages the central nervous system to compensate for inner ear problems.
Home remedies for Vertigo
Vertigo can be managed naturally with a variety of home remedies.
1. Epley Maneuver
One of the most common ways to manage vertigo is a technique called the Epley maneuver. This involves a set of steps done before bed each night until the symptoms of vertigo resolve for at least 24 hours.
If symptoms of vertigo occur from the left side and left ear, the Epley maneuver can be done by:
Sitting on the edge of a bed and turning the head 45 degrees to the left.
Lying down quickly and facing head up on the bed at a 45-degree angle.
Maintaining the position for 30 seconds.
Turning the head halfway — 90 degrees — to the right without raising it for 30 seconds.
Turning the head and entire body to the right side, looking downward for 30 seconds.
Slowly sitting up but remaining sitting for at least a few minutes.
If vertigo starts on the right side in the right ear, these directions should be done in reverse.
2. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese herb known for resolving the symptoms of vertigo. It works by managing blood flow to the brain to relieve dizziness and balance issues.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger root can reduce the effects of vertigo better than manual repositioning, such as the Epley maneuver, alone.
Ginger root can be steeped in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Honey can help with the bitter taste. Drinking ginger tea twice a day may help dizziness, nausea, and other vertigo symptoms.
4. Almonds
Almonds are rich sources of vitamins A, B, and E. Eating a daily handful of almonds can help with vertigo symptoms.
How almonds help is unknown, but it is possible the vitamin content can combat the causes of vertigo.
5. Staying Hydrated
Dehydration can cause symptoms of vertigo. Even mild dehydration can trigger the condition.
Staying hydrated can help minimize dizziness and balance issues.
The body needs 8 to 12 cups of liquid per day. While this includes all liquids, water is the best option because it is calorie- and caffeine-free and not a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of water and salt the body expels as urine.
6. Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural and affordable options for managing the symptoms of vertigo, including nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
Some of the options available for managing vertigo include peppermint, ginger, lavender, and lemon essential oils.
Essential oils are inhaled through an infuser or diluted in a carrier oil before being applied topically. A person may have to experiment with a variety of oils to find the best one to treat their vertigo symptoms.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Both apple cider vinegar and honey are believed to have curative properties to relieve blood flow to the brain. Two parts honey and one part apple cider vinegar can prevent and treat vertigo symptoms.
8. Acupressure
Acupressure applies the same concepts as acupuncture, but it is without the needles. The goal of acupressure is to promote wellness and relaxation. It can help manage vertigo by stimulating pressure points throughout the body.
Written By: Priya Mathur
Edited By: Prachi Raheja
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