Insight Neurosurgery – Have you ever had the feeling that you and your surroundings are moving but there is no actual movement? If so, you have probably experienced a common condition called vertigo. Vertigo is a form of dizziness that affects approximately 15 to 20 percent of adults yearly. This condition can be debilitating for many people, causing loss of balance, temporary hearing loss or ringing in one or both ears, nausea and vomiting, and difficulty seeing. Vertigo is often related to an inner ear or brain condition, such as a viral or bacterial ear infection, migraines, diabetes, Meniere’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or traumatic brain injuries, and the prognosis is usually dependent on how the underlying condition is being treated. However, if you are experiencing dizziness, spinning, or other related symptoms, there are many treatments and home remedies for vertigo that are safe, simple, and effective.
What Causes Vertigo and When Should I See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing vertigo, it is most likely caused by an inner ear or brain condition. Vertigo attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to multiple days and can often be resolved without treatment. The treatments and home remedies for vertigo listed below are usually highly effective for mild to moderate symptoms. But if you are having regular episodes of dizziness or severe symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life, seeing a doctor should be your first step. A healthcare professional will help you determine what is causing your vertigo, provide treatments to manage your symptoms, and refer you to specialists to treat any underlying conditions if necessary.
5 Treatments and Home Remedies for Treating Vertigo
Lifestyle Changes
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, vertigo may be treatable through a series of lifestyle changes. If you are prone to vertigo, sudden movements like bending over and looking up can trigger dizziness, spinning, and nausea. If an attack occurs after a sudden movement, always move slowly to a safe place, avoid lying flat on your back, keep your eyes open, rest, and perform any exercises or instructions recommended by your doctor.
Eating a balanced diet at regular intervals throughout the day and avoiding alcohol are also proven to be beneficial for people with vertigo. Finally, there are a number of connections between sleep quality and this condition. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, removing screens and lights from the bedroom, and avoiding changes in sleep position throughout the night can all impact the likelihood of experiencing symptoms the next day.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of dizziness and vertigo. The average adult requires about two liters of water each day for optimal health, yet most of us regularly fall short of that amount. Dehydration is especially common during hot, humid weather or after strenuous exercise when the body experiences a higher rate of fluid loss. Many symptoms associated with vertigo are correlated to dehydration, including nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, and balance issues. If you suspect your feelings of dizziness and vertigo are from dehydration, begin replenishing fluids immediately. Water is recommended, but sports drinks can also help the body restore lost electrolytes. As you recover, move slowly to a safe location, avoid strenuous activities and driving, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms do not improve shortly after drinking fluids.
Medications
Together with lifestyle changes, there are a number of over the counter and prescription medications that are effective in treating vertigo. As always, you should consult with your doctor before taking any medications. Antihistamines are commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting. Benzodiazepines and diuretics may be prescribed to relieve inner ear disorders. Also, corticosteroids are often effective in patients with Meniere’s disease – an inner ear condition that causes dizziness and imbalance. For more, the Vestibular Disorders Association has resources on medications used to treat vertigo and dizziness.
Essential Oils
If you are looking for a natural and affordable alternative to medications, a number of essential oils are frequently recommended by patients experiencing nausea, vomiting, headaches, and other symptoms associated with vertigo. Essential oils are extracted from plants and are widely used to enhance mental and physical health through an infuser or topical application. Although success rates are inconclusive, patients experiencing dizziness and vertigo have found ginger, lavender, peppermint, and lemon balm oils to be effective. Everyone responds differently to essential oils, so it is recommended patients experiment with a variety of options to treat your symptoms.
Chiropractic Care
For patients suffering from vertigo, chiropractic care offers several promising treatments to help manage dizziness, balance issues, and underlying conditions causing symptoms. Vertigo is often the result of head injuries, neck conditions, and spinal misalignment that can be addressed with a series of chiropractic adjustments and other natural methods. For patients experiencing complications from an inner ear condition such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), there are a series of exercises and techniques that are also effective. One common technique is the Epley maneuver, which repositions crystals in the inner ear that may be causing imbalance and spinning sensations associated with vertigo.
Vertigo is a condition that impacts millions of people, but it doesn’t have to affect your quality of life. From medications to natural methods like essential oils and chiropractic care, there are a number of treatments and home remedies for vertigo that produce excellent results for most patients. In some instances, they can even address the underlying causes of your symptoms. If you or someone you know are experiencing issues with imbalance, dizziness, or other symptoms related to vertigo, our multispecialty team at Insight can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.