Almost anyone can be stopped in their tracks by vertigo. 5-10% of the population experiences dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo at one time or another.
And those same symptoms are some of the most common complaints made to doctors.
The same source reveals that in patients over 40, the incidence of those symptoms climbs to 40%.
There is a myriad of reasons for which vertigo occurs, most of which are serious.
Do you find that you’re dizzy a lot? Have you fallen as a result of that imbalance?
Do you have a ringing in your ears?
You might benefit from vertigo therapy if the answer is yes to any of those questions.
Keep reading to learn all about vertigo, home remedies, and when to call a doctor.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the feeling of a sense that your environment is spinning. In other words, it’s a form of dizziness.
The dizziness and spinning sensation you get from vertigo can not only limit what you can do, but it can also make you sick.
Depending on what’s causing your vertigo, it may be possible to get some relief by trying some simple maneuvers at home.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is caused by issues in the brain or the inner ear.
One of the primary types of vertigo is called BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo).
It occurs when small crystals of calcium become loose in your inner ear. You might feel it if you tilt your head suddenly, or when you’re getting in and out of bed.
It’s the easiest type of vertigo to treat, but people who are over age 60 are more likely to get it.
If you do have BPPV, however, there are certain movements that can push those calcium crystals out of your ear canal.
Some other causes of vertigo are:
- Inflammation in the inner ear due to a bacterial or viral infection
- Meniere’s Disease
- Tumors
- Head trauma and neck injury
- Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Complications from diabetes
- Decreased blood flow to the base of the brain
Symptoms of vertigo vary from person to person.
What Are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
One of the most common symptoms of vertigo is dizziness or feeling unbalanced. Some of the symptoms that can come from vertigo are:
- Headaches
- Ear ringing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abnormal eye movements
- Sweating
- Double vision
- Hearing loss
- Lack of coordination
- Leg or Arm weakness
While you should always seek the help of a medical professional if you’re experiencing any signs of vertigo, there are also some things you can also do at home to try and alleviate your vertigo.
Start by trying 2 of the exercises for vertigo.
Try the Epley Maneuver
What side does your vertigo come from? If it comes from your left ear and side, follow these steps.
Step 1
Sit on the edge of your bed and turn your head 45 degrees to the left (you shouldn’t be as far as your left shoulder).
Step 2
Place a pillow behind you so that it’s under your shoulders and not your head when you lie down.
Step 3
Quickly lie down on your back (keeping your head at the 45-degree angle). Wait 30 seconds to see if vertigo dissipates.
Step 4
Turn your body and head on its side to the right, your eyes looking toward the floor. Wait another 30 seconds.
Step 5
Slowly sit up, but stay sitting on the bed for a few minutes.
Step 6
Repeat 2 more times. Do it every night 3 times until you’ve made it 24 hours without dizziness.
Note that if your vertigo comes from your right side and right ear, do the same maneuver, but using the opposite sides.
Try the Semont Maneuver
This maneuver is similar to the Eply exercise, but it’s not as popular in the United States.
For dizziness on your left side and from your left ear, follow these steps.
Step 1
Sit on the edge of your bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
Step 2
Quickly lie down on your body’s left side and stay in that position for 30 seconds.
Step 3
Quickly move and lie down on the opposite end of your bed. Don’t change the direction of your head at all. Lie for 30 more seconds.
Step 4
Slow sit up and wait for a few minutes.
Note that if your vertigo comes from the right side of your body and your right ear, just reverse these instructions.
More Home Remedies for Vertigo
In addition to vertigo exercises, things like essential oils for vertigo might provide relief.
Many people claim that essential oils like ginger, lavender, frankincense, and peppermint may help relieve vertigo symptoms. Just make sure you consult your doctor with proper use instructions before you try any.
You may have a vitamin D deficiency, and vitamin D supplementation could benefit patients diagnosed with BPPV.
Acupuncture is another form of relief used by people who experience and suffer from vertigo.
If you do suffer from vertigo, try to avoid substances that tend to affect circulation. These substances are:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
Some herbal remedies, such as ginger root and coriander, might also help.
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.
You could try physical therapy, like vestibular rehabilitation, which is an exercise program that can significantly improve balance and reduce dizziness.
Many people also claim that there are benefits of using cream of tartar for migraines and vertigo. Try putting a pinch under your tongue to relieve dizziness, vertigo, migraines, and headaches.
Vertigo Therapy Could Change Your Life
If you find yourself off-balance and dizzy all the time, life can be difficult, and even dangerous!
If you exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. You can also start your vertigo therapy at home.
There are lifestyle changes and maneuvers that many vertigo sufferers swear by.
And if you don’t want to take any supplements or prescribed medicines, physical vertigo therapy is another good place to start. Are you ready to take hold of your health? Check out some of the other articles in this health section, or peruse the blogs in our lifestyle section.
