Vertigo is usually caused by an imbalance in the inner ear or a problem with the central nervous system (CNS). But other factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can trigger attacks.
Almost 40 percent of adults in the United States experience vertigo at some point. In most cases, it resolves independently and isn't severe, but some people may need medical attention if they have frequent or severe episodes.
Vertigo can make it difficult to do daily tasks such as driving or work. It can also make you more likely to fall.
Vertigo affects your everyday life
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation of movement or spinning that can make you feel dizzy or unsteady. It's not the same as feeling light-headed, and can affect your daily life.
There are two types of Vertigo: peripheral and central. Peripheral Vertigo is caused by a problem with the parts of the inner ear that help control balance. It may also be caused by a problem with the nerve that connects the ear to the brain (the vestibular nerve).
Central Vertigo is due to a problem in the brain, usually in the brain stem or back part of the brain (cerebellum). Causes of central Vertigo include infections, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, or stroke.
Symptoms of Vertigo can be mild to severe, depending on the cause. They might be triggered by changes in head position, such as from lying to standing or rolling over in bed.
Causes of Vertigo
The most common causes of Vertigo are inner ear problems. The inner ear helps keep your balance by sending messages to the brain about head and body movement relative to gravity.
Other causes of Vertigo include a problem with the parts of your brain (cerebellum and brain stem) that control balance. This condition is called Central Vertigo, which a severe neurological disorder like a stroke or brain tumor can cause.
Another form of Vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional Vertigo (BPPV), is caused by calcium deposits in the balance organ of the inner ear that periodically become dislodged and cause symptoms.
These episodes can happen at any time and are often triggered by specific head positions or movements. Although BPPV isn't serious, it can cause dizziness and a greater risk of falling.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Symptoms of Vertigo can include feeling that you are spinning, or that your surroundings are moving, and that they aren't matched up with your body. They can be brief or persistent.
They can last a few seconds to hours, but they tend to go away independently. You might get some relief from antihistamines or by doing special head-positioning exercises.
Stress and anxiety can affect your body's response to the inner ear and cause vertigo-like symptoms. They trigger the release of cortisol and adrenaline, leading to blood vessel narrowing and dizzy spells.
If you have Vertigo, seeing your GP as soon as possible is best. They can prescribe antibiotics if an infection causes it and give you exercises to improve your balance.
Diagnostics and Tests
The diagnosis of Vertigo begins with a patient's medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will ask about your balance problems and any other symptoms you've experienced, such as a change in hearing or ringing in your ears.
They may also ask you how often you have these symptoms and what happens when you move a certain way or at certain times of the day. If your doctor suspects a brain or ear problem, they may conduct additional tests.
During these tests, your doctor will use a head impulse test and a Romberg test to assess the relationship between your eyes and inner ears. They'll also ask you to stand with your feet together and close your eyes, then see if you get unsteady.
Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor will recommend other tests, including a head CT or MRI scan. This helps doctors understand how the inner ear and your brain work. It can also help diagnose conditions such as Meniere's disease or vestibular schwannoma, which may cause dizziness.
Treatment
Depending on what is causing your dizziness, treatments can include medicine taken by mouth or through an injection or suppository. They can also have various physical maneuvers designed to move tiny particles called otoliths (calcium crystals) out of the canals of your inner ear and reduce your symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will ask you about the type and severity of your symptoms and then perform a physical examination to determine the cause. They may refer you to blood or imaging tests if your symptoms indicate an underlying medical condition.
Your doctor can offer treatments, such as special head-positioning exercises or medicine to reduce your symptoms. If these don't work, they can recommend a physical therapy program to help strengthen your balance system. These exercises help prevent relapses of your vertigo symptoms.
Prevention Vertigo
Vertigo is a familiar feeling of dizziness that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. If you are experiencing frequent bouts of Vertigo, getting medical help as soon as possible is essential. Here are ways you can improve your Vertigo:
Vitamin D supplementation
Some studies have shown that a vitamin D supplement can help prevent Vertigo caused by BPPV. This may be because the vitamin helps maintain calcium levels in the inner ear, which can help keep crystals from becoming displaced in the ear's semicircular canals.
Getting enough sleep
Sleep deprivation can trigger episodes of Vertigo in some people. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep at night, and take time during the day to rest if you need it.
Meditation
Practicing deep breathing and meditation techniques can also help reduce the symptoms of Vertigo. They can also increase your mindfulness, making you more aware of the causes of Vertigo and helping you avoid them in the future.
Proper nutrition
A good diet can also contribute to reducing the occurrence of Vertigo. Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to keep your body strong and healthy.
Essential oils
Peppermint, ginger, and lavender are the top essential oils for relieving vertigo symptoms, as they help improve your body's ability to balance. These oils can be inhaled through an infuser or applied directly on your head and chest with a carrier oil to ease the spinning sensation.
Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly can improve your overall health and help you maintain an average weight. It can also lower your blood pressure, which can help reduce the chances of developing high blood pressure that can cause Vertigo or other severe conditions.
Brandt-Daroff maneuver
Another easy, at-home vertigo remedy is the Brandt-Daroff maneuver. This maneuver repositions the crystals in the inner ear, improving your balance and reducing your symptoms. This maneuver is especially useful for BPPV, but it may not be as effective with other types of Vertigo.
The Epley maneuver
The Epley maneuver is a simple yet effective way to relieve Vertigo in patients with benign paroxysmal positional Vertigo (BPPV). This maneuver involves sitting upright on a pillow with your head on the pillow, then turning your head 45 degrees to the right. Hold this position for 30 seconds to 2 minutes and slowly turn your head to the opposite side, again holding that position for about 30 seconds.
Yoga and tai chi
Yoga and tai chi are exercise programs that can improve balance and flexibility and decrease stress. Many people find these exercises helpful in preventing or lessening the effects of Vertigo.
Supplements
Using supplements to get rid of Vertigo is the most effective way. In the study, which was published in the August 2020 issue of Neurology, researchers found that the people who took the supplements had a lower recurrence rate compared with those who didn't take them. See also our Claritox Pro reviews.
Others
Other ways to treat Vertigo include changing your diet, increasing water intake, and taking specific movement programs. When these treatments don't work, prescription drugs may be prescribed, or surgery may be recommended.
