How to Cure Vertigo?

Effective Ways to Cure Vertigo: From Causes to Treatments

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a false sensation of movement, usually spinning, either of oneself or the surroundings. It makes you feel like you are spinning when you are not. Often, it is caused by issues with the inner ear. However, vertigo can also be a symptom of a condition related to your brain, such as a stroke or tumour. 

There are several ways to address vertigo, depending on its underlying cause. The treatment for vertigo includes medication, repositioning manoeuvres or even surgery. Sometimes, if it is not a symptom of a serious health issue, the treatment method focuses on managing symptoms and preventing recurrence. Otherwise, correcting the root cause is important to cure vertigo. 

What are the Symptoms of Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or a feeling that the environment around you is spinning in circles. Sometimes, you may feel off-balance, which may make it difficult to stand or walk. Vertigo is a specific subtype of dizziness characterized by a false sensation of spinning or motion. While all vertigo is dizziness, not all dizziness is vertigo

During vertigo, you may feel:

• A sensation that your surroundings are spinning or moving around you (objective vertigo) or that you yourself are spinning (subjective vertigo)
• Felling like you are falling
• Feeling like you are moving or rotating

Some more symptoms associated with vertigo are:

• Difficult focusing on objects
• Loss of balance
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hearing loss
• Sweating
• Looking pale
• Tinnitus

 Vertigo may worsen with sudden head movements, such as turning over in bed or looking upward.

Understanding the Causes of Vertigo

To effectively manage and treat vertigo, it is essential to first understand what might be causing it. Here are some common causes you need to know about:

• BPPV: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo occurs due to the dislodging and accumulation of tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear. The ear sends signals to the brain about the condition to maintain balance. BPPV-incurred vertigo is often triggered by simple movements such as rolling over in bed or looking up.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder is caused by fluid build-up and altering pressure in the inner ear. Vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears are some of the common signs of the condition.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Also known as Labyrinthitis, this condition causes an infection of the vestibular nerve. Since the vestibular nerve aids in maintaining your bodily balance, it can lead to vertigo.

Treatment for Vertigo

Treatment for vertigo depends largely on the underlying cause. Have a look:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

For many people with vertigo, VRT can be an effective treatment. It particularly applies to those with BPPV or vestibular neuritis. This specialized physical therapy informs the brain about your body movements to maintain balance. The therapy focuses on head and eye coordination. It significantly improves the brain’s ability to process balance signals.

2. Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres

If you are experiencing vertigo due to BPPV, then canalith reposition manoeuvres will be immensely effective. These manoeuvres particularly involve your head and eye movements to place the ear crystals in their original location. Take a look at some of the popular manoeuvres:

3. Epley Manoeuvre

In this manoeuvre, you have to sit on a flat surface with a pillow behind your back and your legs outstretched. Turn your head to the 45-degree right,

hold the position and then slowly turn your head to a 90-degree left without lifting your neck. Hold it for 10 seconds and get back to the original position.

4. Half Somersault Manoeuvre

In this manoeuvre, kneel on the floor and look up straight at the ceiling. Then, tumble forward and tuck your chin towards your knees as if you are preparing for a somersault. Turn your head 45 degrees to the infected ear’s side, hold for 30 seconds and go to your back-level position.

5. Semont-Toupet Manoeuvre

To perform this manoeuvre, you have to lie down. Then, turn to your right and look to the left side. You will be looking at the ceiling. Then, sit up and turn your body to the left while your head is looking at the left side. Hold it for a couple of seconds, and then return to the normal position.

Note: Please be sure to talk to an expert first before trying out these manoeuvres at home.

6. Medications

While medications are unable to cure vertigo, they can help manage the symptoms. If you are having acute vertigo, then some antihistamines will help reduce the dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo. However, it is always recommended to consult with a physician first before taking any medication.

7. Lifestyle Changes

If you are having multiple episodes of vertigo due to Meniere’s disease or migraines, lifestyle changes are recommended. For Meniere’s disease, eating a low-salt diet brings down the fluid pressure in your inner ear.

8. Surgical Intervention

In rare cases, vertigo may require surgical intervention. However, it only applies to structural issues like tumours or inflamed abnormal blood vessels. These procedures aim to address the inner ear and the head’s balance mechanisms.

Vertigo caused by BPPV is often effectively treated with canalith repositioning manoeuvres. However, if you are having acute and frequent episodes, it is better to reach out to your nearest healthcare provider immediately. 

Reader Information: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Vertigo can have multiple underlying causes, and its management may vary from person to person. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment, exercises, or medications. 

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