Understanding vertigo
Vertigo is a symptom of an underlying condition that causes a person to feel dizziness and spinning sensation. It is important to understand the causes and symptoms of vertigo, in order to better manage it. In addition, understanding the natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help to prevent and reduce the effects of vertigo is essential.
We will cover all of this in this section:
- Causes and Symptoms of Vertigo
- Natural Remedies
- Lifestyle Changes
Definition of vertigo
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning, moving, or swaying that seems to occur when a person’s surroundings appear to move around them instead of the individual being stationary. It is not always considered an illness, however rather a symptom which can be the result of a number of factors such as inner ear problems or anxiety. Vertigo can range in severity from mild to severe and is usually short-term but occasionally can be long-lasting and chronic in some cases.
Inner ear problems are one of the most common causes of vertigo, as they can block nerve signals that help control equilibrium within the body. More specifically, vertigo occurs when fluid pressure within the inner ear becomes unbalanced or when calcium crystals become displaced and move around in the semicircular canal. In addition to this, vertigo can be caused by head or neck trauma resulting from whiplash or other injury without fracture. Additionally, it may be caused by diseases such as Meniere’s syndrome or multiple sclerosis which damage pathways within the brain that help regulate balance and posture. Lastly, some medications used to treat conditions such as migraines may also cause vertigo.
It is important for individuals experiencing vertigo to seek medical attention in order for underlying causes to be identified and managed correctly so that long-term episodes do not occur and worsen over time. Treatment plans will depend on what is causing a person’s vertigo but generally include steps aimed at controlling symptoms through lifestyle changes such avoiding certain physical activities which may serve to exacerbate symptoms, correcting any imbalances in fluid pressure levels within the inner ear with medication if necessary, therapies provided by physical therapists for head movements (vestibular rehabilitation therapy), Vestibular Neuritis treatment if due to viral infection along with dietary supplementation such as Vitamin D helps with healing along with other vitamins required by neuronal tissue repair processes.
Symptoms of vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or feeling off-balance. This can range from mild dizziness to intense episodes that make it impossible to perform daily activities. Symptoms of vertigo can include:
- Lightheadedness
- Spinning sensation or the feeling that your surroundings are spinning
- Dizziness
- Swaying sensation or feeling unsteady on your feet
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache or blurred vision
- Difficulty walking or standing with eyes open or closed
Vertigo symptoms can come on suddenly and last for minutes, hours, days, or longer. In some cases, such as Ménière’s disease, the spells of dizziness may occur over days and weeks before disappearing completely. Most people experience vertigo only occasionally; however chronic sufferers may experience more severe bouts of vertigo on a regular basis. If you are experiencing any type of dizziness, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
Causes of vertigo
Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness, spinning, or being off-balance. It can be caused by a range of conditions including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine, Meniere’s disease, and labyrinthitis.
In this article, we will be exploring the causes of vertigo and what steps you can take to prevent it.
Inner ear problems
Inner ear problems can be the underlying cause of vertigo. The inner ear contains many important components, including the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing and balance, and the vestibular system, which includes three small loops called semicircular canals. These canals work in harmony to help keep us orientated in space as we move around. When something goes awry in the inner ear, it could disrupt this system and cause vertigo.
Some common causes of inner ear problems that lead to vertigo include:
- inflammation in the inner ear due to infections or allergies;
- age-related changes such as narrowing of the arteries;
- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition that involves an abnormal sensation of spinning when you move your head in certain positions; and
- Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo and eventually hearing loss.
There are also other less common causes of vertigo that need to be considered such as:
- acoustic neuroma, a slow-growing tumor on the nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain;
- stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA);
- head trauma or whiplash;
- multiple sclerosis;
- certain medications including anti-nausea medications or antibiotics; and
- even psychological disorders such as panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Head injuries
Head injuries are a major source of vertigo and can often be the years after the initial injury. Head injuries occur when an object strikes your head or when the head changes direction rapidly, such as in whiplash. An inner ear concussion, sometimes called a vestibular concussion, is also very common in someone who has experienced a head trauma. Inner ear concussions can cause symptoms like vertigo and dizziness that may last several days or weeks.
To help prevent vertigo caused by head injuries, it is important to always wear protective gear when participating in activities that involve potential impact to the head, such as biking and playing sports. Additionally, it is recommended to practice defensive driving by wearing seat belts and driving safe distances from other cars on highways in order to reduce chances of whiplash due to a car accident.
Stress
Stress is one of the key causes of vertigo. Long-term stress can lead to physical and psychological disturbances that can manifest as dizziness or vertigo. People who experience stress often have changes in their usual daily routines, diet, possible sleep habits and lifestyle activities that can lead to or worsen the symptoms of vertigo. Additionally, those with chronic stress may experience hyperventilation, which constricts blood vessels and decreases oxygen concentration in the brain. This imbalance in oxygen can bring on a feeling of dizziness as well as lightheadedness and nausea.
To help prevent vertigo caused by stress, it is important to identify sources of stress and learn how to reduce its effects on your life through relaxation techniques such as:
- Yoga or tai chi
- Deep breathing exercises
- Mindfulness meditation
Making time for regular exercise such as running or cycling also helps relieve some of the physical tensions associated with stress.
Prevention of vertigo
Vertigo is a condition characterized by a spinning sensation that can lead to issues such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting. While vertigo can be caused by numerous factors, making some lifestyle changes can help you reduce the risk of developing vertigo.
This section will look at how you can prevent vertigo:
Avoiding certain activities
Certain physical activities can increase an individual’s risk of developing vertigo. These activities include any sudden or vigorous movements of the head and neck, such as bending over abruptly and quickly looking up. People who experience vertigo should avoid activities that involve such drastic movements. Examples include some forms of exercise that involve standing on one leg, quick spinning or abrupt changes in the direction of the head and neck movement.
Additionally, individuals who experience vertigo should also avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol relaxes the muscles around the middle ear, destabilizing its balance across time; this can make people who experience vertigo feel dizzy when consuming alcoholic beverages. It is important for those with episodes of vertigo to limit their alcohol consumption to keep their symptoms under control.
Finally, individuals attempting to prevent their episodes of vertigo should be mindful to not remain in resting position for extended periods of time without taking regular breaks. This is especially important if they are sitting at a computer or looking intently towards any fixed point while they are traveling on public transport or vehicles such as cars and airplanes, which can cause prolonged stationary positions during a journey. Allowing oneself short breaks between tasks can help prevent episodes of vertigo from occurring frequently and alleviate pre-existing dizziness that might be related to it.
Eating a balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet is essential to helping prevent vertigo and other balance-related disorders. Foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat can lead to weight gain, poor cardiovascular health, fatigue, low energy levels and inflammation of the inner ear which can impair balance.
Foods that contain healthy fats including olive oil and avocados, as well as mood enhancing foods such as calcium rich yogurt and fish rich in omega 3 will help protect against vertigo. Also include antioxidant sources like dark green leafy vegetables, apples, red bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes as well as sources of complex carbohydrates like oats, brown rice or quinoa. These foods can fight inflammation and boost immunity to keep the body from concentrating on vertigo symptoms instead of fighting illnesses.
Eating enough protein is also important – lean meats like chicken breast or turkey; eggs; lentils; legumes; nuts; peanut butter and salmon are just some of the very good choices for maintaining a regular intake of quality proteins.
Eating a balanced diet free from processed foods packed with preservatives and artificial ingredients will help keep your body nourished with all the necessary vitamins mineral it needs to remain healthy and happy.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an essential step in preventing vertigo. This includes getting plenty of exercise and sleep, eating a balanced diet, reducing stress levels, and avoiding known triggers for vertigo such as smoking and alcohol.
Since dizziness can be a symptom of dehydration, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also helpful.
Other general tips may also help reduce dizziness:
- Move slowly when transitioning between positions to prevent sudden changes in head movement.
- Avoid standing suddenly or lying down too quickly after being in a seated position.
- Limit caffeine intake since it can cause dehydration.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or tai chi to help manage stress and tension which can contribute to the onset of vertigo symptoms.
- Take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid prolonged physical movements which can aggravate existing symptoms.
Treatment for vertigo
Vertigo is a common condition that can cause dizziness and a feeling of imbalance. It is typically caused by an inner ear problem but can also be due to medications or even head trauma.
Fortunately, there are several treatments available to reduce the symptoms of vertigo. In this article, we will discuss the various treatments and ways to prevent vertigo.
Medication
Medication can be used to help reduce the effects or frequency of vertigo. When medication is recommended, choices may range from over-the-counter antihistamines and antiemetics to prescription drugs like vestibular suppressants (e.g., meclizine, diazepam), anticholinergics (e.g., scopolamine), or anticonvulsants (e.g., valproic acid). All medications have potential side effects, so it is important to discuss any risks or concerns with a doctor before beginning medication treatments. It is also important to note that many of these medications do not have Food and Drug Administration approval specifically for vertigo, so they should be used with caution and under a doctor’s supervision.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe a course of antibiotics or oral steroids if symptoms are caused by an infection or inflammation in the inner ear. Occasionally, doctors will also recommend physical therapy for vertigo, which may include head exercises designed to help reset balance between the inner ears and provide added strength and control to them when engaging in coordination activities such as walking on an uneven surface or turning quickly while standing.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an important treatment for vertigo. Generally, this form of therapy focuses on regaining balance by helping the patient build strength and coordination in the feet, legs and torso. Specific exercises will help to retrain the brain to make better decisions about balance and body position.
The most common treatments for vertigo include:
- Vestibular rehabilitation: This type of physical therapy helps the patient relearn how to maintain balance. Typically, it includes a combination of eye exercises, balance activities and walking in different directions.
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers: Also known as Epley maneuvers, these are simple head movements that can be used to move particles out of the canals in the inner ear which may be causing a sense of spinning or swaying.
- Balance training: Training helps to improve reaction time when movements occur unexpectedly which can help reduce dizziness and improve stability while walking or performing other activities.
- Ocular motor exercises: Exercises such as optokinetic stimulation are designed to improve eye movement coordination which may help reduce symptoms of vertigo and unease with head movements or visual stimulation.
Surgery
Surgery is sometimes recommended if other treatments are not effective or vertigo is caused by a structural problem in the inner ear. The most common procedure for managing vertigo is anterior (or posterior) canal plugging, which involves placing a plug in the conduit that carries fluid from the inner ear to regulate balance. This reduces the fluid pressure in the middle ear and can help restore balance.
Other surgical procedures for vertigo include:
- Labyrinthectomy, which removes part of the inner ear to reduce symptoms.
- Vestibular nerve section and neurotomy, which destroy areas of the vestibular nerve to reduce dizziness.
- Electromyography (EMG), which uses electrical stimulation to disrupt signals from certain nerves that are causing symptoms.
In some cases, physical therapy may be prescribed after surgery in order to study how your body moves and compensate for changes caused by surgery. For example, a doctor might recommend rehabilitative exercises such as head turn tests or balance retraining exercises that can help you adjust to a new center of gravity and improve your ability to maintain balance after surgery.
Home remedies for vertigo
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that can cause a person to feel as if they are spinning or moving, when in reality there is no movement at all. While vertigo usually goes away on its own, there are a few home remedies that can be used to help with the symptoms.
This section will cover different remedies that can help reduce the effects of vertigo:
Ginger
Ginger is a widely-researched home remedy for vertigo. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are known to help reduce symptoms like dizziness and nausea, which are both common side effects of vertigo.
It can be consumed as a tea or taken in supplement form. For tea, add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5 minutes before straining. This can be drunk up to three times per day as needed.
Alternatively, ginger supplements are available in 500mg capsules and should be taken three times daily with meals or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. As with any supplement, start with the lowest dose possible and consult a medical professional before taking larger doses over an extended period of time.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains vast amounts of healthful compounds that have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including vertigo. It is said to contain several antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that can be used to reduce the symptoms of vertigo. Research suggests that ACV is an effective home remedy for vertigo due its anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce inflammation in the inner ear and balance people’s calcium levels.
Many studies suggest that diluted apple cider vinegar can be taken as a drink two or three times per day to reduce the symptoms of vertigo. To make a tonic with ACV mix one tablespoon of ACV with two cups of filtered water or any bone broth. Add honey if desired for sweetness. It’s important to note that this drink should not be consumed more than 10-12 days in a row as it could disturb other bodily functions. Self-management strategies such as this should not replace advice from a physician who has examined an individual and obtained their medical history.
Essential oils
Essential oils are gaining popularity as a home remedy for treating vertigo symptoms. When used in aromatherapy, certain essential oils may help to relax the body, which could reduce dizziness and nausea. However, human studies evaluating their effectiveness are currently lacking.
Essential oils that may be most helpful for vertigo symptoms include lavender, ginger and peppermint oil. These oils are available in several forms, such as facial mists, roll-ons and diffusers that disperse the scent into the air. When using these products on your skin, it’s important to dilute them first with a carrier oil – such as coconut or jojoba oil.
It’s also possible to take essential oils orally for vertigo relief. One way to do this is by putting a few drops of an essential oil blend into capsule form and taking it with food or liquid twice daily. While some people believe that this method is more effective than when the oils are used topically or aromatically, there is no scientific evidence at this time to support this claim.
Regardless of how you choose to use them, always follow safety guidelines while using essential oils and speak with a qualified aromatherapist before starting treatment if you have any concerns.