Vertigo is a symptomatic disorder due to problems of the inner ear or the brain. When the inner ear gets affected due to an injury, infection or any other cause, the person experiences vertigo or unsteadiness.
Inner Ear Problems That Cause Vertigo
1. Meniere’s Disease
This is caused by the excess fluid build up in the inner ear that may cause hearing loss and blocked ear feeling along with vertigo. It usually affects one ear.
2. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
In this medical condition, calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia get displaced in the semicircular canals of the inner ear causing vertigo. Older people are more prone to this disease. It is also common after injuries.
3. Vestibular Neuritis
This is caused by a viral infection on the inner ear which leads to vertigo.
Know More About
- 10 Early Signs You Might Have a Vestibular Disorder
- How Juggling Enhances the Balance System and Coordination
- 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Vestibular Testing
Other Common Causes of Vertigo
- Vestibular migraine
- Labyrinthitis
- Perilymph fistula
- Mal de debarquement syndrome
- Vestibular paroxysmia
- Superior semicircular canal dehiscence
- Tumors – of the balance nerve or brain
- Head injury – leading to injury to the inner ear
- Strokes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Side-effects of some medications
- Phobic postural vertigo
- Systemic disorders
Vertigo can cause imbalance and lightheadedness or a spinning sensation of the head. It can last for seconds to hours to days depending on the underlying cause. If you have vertigo, you may feel dizzy any time of the day; getting up from bed, walking, bending down etc. Vertigo by itself is not life-threatening but it can affect your daily life adversely. The person is at an increased risk of fall during a vertigo episode.
Vertigo or dizziness need to be evaluated to find out the cause to decide what treatment would be effective. Different diseases will be treated in different ways.
Before trying any home remedy, it is advised that you consult our specialist doctors, who, after doing the diagnostic tests, can suggest suitable exercises and treatments for more effective and long-lasting solutions to control your vertigo.
Vertigo Exercises
These are also called Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises which help to improve balance by stimulating the central nervous system.
Vestibular Rehab therapies work by helping to stabilize vision on moving objects, improving balance function and making the person feel more stable during movement.
Vestibular exercises have to be done based on the underlying disease causing vertigo, and after taking into consideration patient factors including age, physical disabilities, other associated diseases etc. Customized vestibular rehabilitation therapy according to the requirement and disorder is the best way to treat the patients.
Some Home exercises include:
1. Head Movement
- Sit straight with your eyes focused on your thumb with your arm stretched out.
- Move the thumb side to side and follow it with head movement.
- Repeat this exercise by moving the thumb up and down and following it with head movement. Do 20 repetitions.
- Do this exercise for 5 minutes daily.
2. Exercise While Walking
- Make sure your path is clear of any dangerous corners or things while doing this exercise.
- Walking in a straight line
- Turn your head from side to side while walking.
- Do this exercise for 5 minutes a day.
3. Sitting and Standing
- Sit straight on a chair and slowly stand up.
- Do this for 20 times. You must do this exercise with eyes open initially. Once you feel your balancing is improving, you can do this exercise with your eyes closed.
4. Throwing & Catching Ball
Sit straight and throw the ball from one hand to another above your eye level for 10 times daily.
5. Touch the Toes
- Sit on a mat or bed.
- Bend down to touch your toes, with a fixed gaze.
- Do this 5-10 times a day.
It is not advisable to do Epley manoeuvre, Semont Maneuver or Brandt-Daroff Exercise etc on your own without consulting a vertigo specialist.
Specialised therapists at NeuroEquilibrium™ will guide and supervise your exercise routines. This helps in keeping track of your improvement and having a constant guide by your side.
After knowing the various exercises for vertigo, let’s explore some home remedies that are effective in keeping vertigo spells in check.
6. Home Remedies for Vertigo
- Yoga, meditation and relaxation can be reduced with the help of these ancient techniques.
- Eat
- Low Salt Diet – Patients with Meniere’s disease and Vestibular migraine are advised to have a low salt and high potassium diet.
- Sometimes low blood sugar may trigger dizziness in patients of Diabetes.
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D deficiency may cause dizziness sometimes. Consult your doctor to suggest Vitamin D supplements and foods.
- Avoid alcohol and reduce caffeine consumption.
- Try to Maintain a Regular Lifestyle – eating and sleeping on time.
- Reduce Screen Time – long hours on TV, computers, laptops, cell phones and other electronics can irritate the balance nerve.
NeuroEquilibrium houses the finest of the doctors to treat vertigo patients. You will be advised on how to take care of yourselves when you get vertigo attacks at home or in your workplace.
What are the best exercises for vertigo?
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises such as head movement exercises, walking with head turns and sitting-to-standing exercises are used to enhance balance and minimize dizziness.
Can I do vertigo exercises at home safely?
Yes, one can perform simple exercises at home, but such special maneuvers as Epley or Semont must be done only under the supervision of a doctor.
What lifestyle changes help reduce vertigo?
Reduced screen time, yoga, reduced caffeine and alcohol, limiting alcohol intake, low salt diet can decrease the occurrence of vertigo.
Is vertigo a permanent condition?
Not always. Certain causes such as BPPV can be managed whereas chronic ones such as Meniere disease require management over time.
When should I see a doctor for vertigo?
Consult an expert in the case of frequent dizziness, sharpness, or hearing loss, nausea, imbalance, or neurological symptoms.
