Vertigo is an illness having a feeling of loss of balance and dizziness. Let us learn more about what is vertigo, the causes of vertigo, and effective vertigo home remedies to get relief from vertigo symptoms.
Table of Contents
What is Vertigo
Vertigo is a sense of loss of balance like the feeling that the world is spinning or everything around you is moving. This is despite when you are standing still or lying down though actually and your body is in a well-balanced state.
The induced vertigo is like when children spin themselves for a little time and stop abruptly. Then the loss of balance is felt for a little time.
Vertigo Causes and Symptoms
As mentioned above the main symptoms are feeling spinning or everything not physically not stable around you. Some even feel like rolling on the bed or movement of their head as symptoms of vertigo. Many get vomiting or nausea with vertigo symptoms. The symptoms of vertigo are not the same as light-headedness or fainting symptoms. It is very rare for anyone to get ear pain due to vertigo disorders.
Do not delay consulting a doctor if the vertigo symptoms prolong for days and days.
The main two vertigo illness are known as central vertigo and peripheral vertigo. The causes of vertigo are many and we discuss the main ones here.
Peripheral vertigo
Peripheral vertigo is caused by problems developing in the inner ear. Inflammation of the inner ear due to certain illnesses can cause vertigo. Also, the displaced, inner ear crystals or stones were found to affect the small hair cells of the semi-circular canals and lead to vertigo. In medical terms, this is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
There are cases get the hearing loss or ringing sound in the ear (tinnitus) due to the fluid build-up in the inner ear. This symptom of vertigo is caused due to Meniere’s disease.
Head injuries due to accidents affecting the inner ear can cause peripheral vertigo.
Peripheral vertigo mostly is a short-lived illness and may disappear fast.
Central Vertigo
Central vertigo is caused by the central nervous system associating the brain and spinal cord. The main reasons for central vertigo are head injuries, serious infections, migraines, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and heart attacks. Central vertigo may hit the person suddenly and prolong for a longer time.
The impact of central vertigo is very much more compared to peripheral vertigo. People with a central vertigo health condition may need others to help to stand or walk.
Here are the vertigo home remedies you could use to stop vertigo symptoms when it occurs:-
Epley Maneuver or Canalith repositioning maneuver
This is a repositioning maneuver exercise found to be effective for people with benign positional vertigo or peripheral vertigo symptoms. The research conducted concludes Epley maneuver works to heal peripheral vertigo. This exercise is also known as the Canalith Repositioning Maneuver. Steps of Epley maneuver repositioning exercise: –
- Sit upright and have your legs outstretched on a flat surface with a pillow behind you.
- Slowly turn your head 45 degrees to the right
- Maintain your head at 45 degrees and lie down, reclining with the pillow behind you.
- Stay in this position for about 30 to 60 seconds
- Now slowly turn your head to the left (without lifting your head) to the full 90 degrees.
- Stay in this position for about 30 to 60 seconds.
- In lying position turn full-body sideways to left.
- Stay in this position for about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Now slowly get up and sit straight by returning to your original position
You could get your spouse or friend to help you with this exercise. Repeat for a maximum of 3 times in one go. This exercise consequently, will help to stop vertigo symptoms.
Ginger for vertigo
Ginger comes with great medicinal properties and is capable of handling various health conditions. It is also effectively used to treat vertigo. Ginger is one of the good vertigo home remedies for alleviating vertigo symptoms, nausea, and dizziness caused by vertigo.
You could consume ginger in many forms such as ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger capsules, and powdered ginger. The simpler way is to have a slice of fresh ginger and chew it.
Semont-Toupet Maneuver
The Semont-Toupet Maneuver is another exercise that is similar to the Epley maneuver but with reduced neck movements for benign positional vertigo. You can do this exercise at home. This is an effective maneuver and is not known to many people.
The steps for the Semont-Toupet Maneuver are:-
- Sit upright outstretching your legs on a flat surface with a pillow behind you.
- Lie down, on your right side, turn your head to the left, and look upwards.
- Sit up again and then turn your face to the left looking downwards.
- Get back to your original position slowly, in a sitting position, and looking straight.
- In each position maintain up to 30 seconds
Coriander Seeds for Vertigo
The use of coriander seeds is another traditional vertigo home remedy. It is a very simple treatment and is effective in alleviating vertigo symptoms. Coriander seeds have properties that help to stop dizziness and nausea and give the feeling of steadiness.
- Pick a tablespoon of coriander seeds
- Soak in water overnight
- In the morning drain the coriander seeds and then drink the water.
Brandt-Daroff Exercise
This exercise is a vertigo treatment to do at home for people having a vertigo health condition. This is a simple exercise you could do without any supervision.
Make sure you are in a safer place to do this exercise. Because while doing this exercise you may get more dizziness for a short time.
Here are the steps for the Brandt-Daroff exercise: –
- Sit upright legs outstretching your legs on a flat surface.
- Turn your head to the left and lay your head down by looking up. Be in this position for 30 seconds
- Bring your head back to the original position.
- Now repeat the same exercise in the opposite (right) direction.
- You could do up to 5 times at one go to stop vertigo. Repeat 3 times a day but just twice a week.
Gingko Biloba Leaves for vertigo
Ginkgo Biloba leaves are dating back thousands of years and are known for various treatments including vertigo. In the United States, many take Gingko Biloba as a supplement to sharpen their thinking and memory. It also boosts blood flow and acts as an antioxidant.
Ginkgo Biloba leaves extracts are available in pharmacies in the form of capsules and liquids. An intake of 240 mg of this extract every day helps to stop vertigo symptoms.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Studies and practices have shown that vestibular rehabilitation therapy is effective in treating inner ear balance (vestibular) disorders. People having vestibular disorders do complain of vertigo, visual disturbance, and dizziness.
Vestibular disorders make your life difficult, you will struggle to have your focus and carry out your day-to-day work efficiently.
Vestibular Rehabilitation is, therefore, an exercise program to provide relief from vestibular disorders. If you wish to opt for vestibular rehabilitation in relation to vertigo disorder always get assistance from a doctor.
Staring at a Fixed Point
When you have a vertigo attack, try to stare at a fixed point. This will give a signal to your brain that you are not moving and helps to calm your dizziness and spinning symptoms of vertigo.
At times natural vertigo home remedies may not be sufficient. Hence, when you realize that vertigo symptoms are prolonging do contact a physician for consultation.
Chiropractic Treatment for Vertigo
This is not a home remedy. But a remedy without the use of drugs or surgery. The trained chiropractor carries out the chiropractic adjustment procedure. This is another effective solution for vertigo.
These are some things that might help my daughter who suffers from episodes of such terrible Vertigo, which can hit her at anytime, any place and anywhere. Sometimes even can wake her from sleeping or just plain sitting down it can hit her and sometimes lasts for several hours. Thank you.