Find care near me Key Points
- Vertigo, a sensation of feeling off balance, affects almost 40% of adults in the U.S. at some point in their lives, and is a symptom of an underlying condition, not a disease itself.
- Common causes of vertigo include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), inflammation of the inner ear, and Meniere’s Disease.
- Various treatments for vertigo exist, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers, and home remedies like Ginkgo Biloba, hydration, vitamin D, ginger root tea, almonds, essential oils, and acupressure.
- If vertigo is recurrent, sudden, severe, prolonged, or accompanied by serious symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention.
- Preventive measures for vertigo include stress management, yoga, reducing alcohol intake, and ensuring sufficient sleep.
Do you ever feel like the world is spinning around you, even when you're standing still? If so, you may be suffering from vertigo. Vertigo is a common condition that nearly 40% of adults in the U.S. will experience at least once in their lifetime, according to UCSF Health. While vertigo can be uncomfortable, the good news is that it is treatable with home remedies in most cases.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo is not a condition by itself—but rather a symptom of an underlying condition, according to UCSF Health. UCSF Health goes on to list the following as the most common reasons for having vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) - A brief vertigo attack that lasts less than one minute. This can occur when tiny calcium deposits become trapped in the semicircular canals of the inner ear.
- Inflammation of the inner ear - This is usually caused by a virus or bacteria (commonly known as an inner ear infection).
- Meniere’s Disease - This is usually caused by an imbalance of fluids in the inner ear, which can cause periods of vertigo that last from minutes to hours. Meniere’s disease can also cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or feeling as if your ears are full.
Maneuvers & Exercises That Can Help Vertigo
A common approach to treat vertigo is canalith repositioning maneuvers. These maneuvers work to move calcium deposits from being trapped in the canals of the vestibular. The following are the most popular maneuvers, according to WebMD.
1. The Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver involves a series of head movements that can help to reposition the crystals in your inner ear that cause BPPV. Here are the steps to do it, according to WebMD:
- If your vertigo is coming from your left ear, sit on the edge of your bed and turn your head 45 degrees to the left (not as far as your left shoulder).
- Quickly lie down on your back, with your head on the bed (still at the 45-degree angle). You can place a pillow behind you before you start. The pillow should be under your shoulders. Once you’ve laid down quickly, wait 30 seconds.
- Turn your head 90 degrees to the right without raising it. Wait another 30 seconds.
- Turn your head and body on its side to the right, so you're looking toward the floor. Wait another 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up, but remain on the bed for a few minutes.
- Switch sides (start off turning your head 45 degrees to the right), if your vertigo is coming from your right ear. If you’re not sure which ear is causing your vertigo, do this maneuver once on each side.
WebMD recommends that you do these movements three times before going to bed each night until you've gone 24 hours without dizziness.
2. Brandt-Daroff Exercises
Brandt-Daroff exercises are a series of head movements that can help alleviate the symptoms of vertigo, according to WebMD. Here are the instructions for Brandt-Daroff Exercises, as noted by WebMD:
- Start in an upright, seated position on your bed.
- Tilt your head around a 45-degree angle away from the side causing your vertigo. Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up.
- Stay in this position for about 30 seconds or until the vertigo eases off, whichever is longer. Then move back to the seated position.
- Repeat on the other side.
WebMD notes that you should do 3 to 5 repetitions of these exercises in each session. They also recommend doing 3 sessions a day for up to 2 weeks or until your vertigo is gone for at least 48 hours.
3. The Semont-Toupet Maneuver
The Semont-Toupet maneuver is another technique used to treat BPPV, according to WebMD. It also involves a series of head movements that can help to reposition the crystals in your inner ear. WebMD provides the following steps for doing the Semont-Toupet Maneuver:
- Sit on the edge of your bed and turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
- Quickly lie down on your left side—stay there for 30 seconds.
- Quickly move to lie down on the opposite end of your bed (don't change the direction of your head—keep it at a 45-degree angle, looking at the floor), and stay there for another 30 seconds.
- Return slowly to sitting and wait a few minutes.
5. The Foster Maneuver
The Foster maneuver is also called the Half Somersault maneuver and is another technique used to treat BPPV, according to WebMD. Here are the step-by-step instructions, according to WebMD:
- Kneel down and look up at the ceiling for a few seconds.
- Touch the floor with your head, tucking your chin so your head goes toward your knees. Wait for any vertigo to stop (about 30 seconds).
- Turn your head in the direction of your affected ear (i.e. if you feel dizzy on your left side, turn to face your left elbow). Wait another 30 seconds.
- Quickly raise your head so it's level with your back while you're on all fours. Keep your head at that 45-degree angle. Wait 30 seconds.
- Quickly raise your head so it's fully upright, but keep your head turned to the shoulder of the side you're working on. Then slowly stand up.
WebMD notes that you may have to repeat this maneuver a few times to find relief. They recommend that you wait 15 minutes before doing this maneuver a second time.
Home Remedies for Vertigo
In addition to the maneuvers listed above, there are some other things that may help you treat your vertigo.
1. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba has been shown to be effective in treating vertigo, according to Healthline. Researchers believe that it may work by helping improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation in the inner ear. Healthline recommends taking 240 milligrams of ginkgo biloba each day if you suffer from vertigo.
2. Staying Hydrated
Dehydration can cause vertigo, or make vertigo worse if you already deal with it, according to Healthline. They note that it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day (and more if you are exercising or outside in hot or humid weather).
3. Vitamin D
Studies show a lack of vitamin D deficiency has been linked to vertigo, according to Healthline. You can get more vitamin D in your diet by drinking fortified milk or orange juice, or by eating canned tuna and eggs. Additionally, spending a few minutes each day in the sunshine can help improve your vitamin D levels, according to Healthline.
4. Ginger Root Tea
Some evidence suggests that ginger root can reduce vertigo symptoms for some people, according to Medical News Today. They recommend that you steep the ginger root in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, then allow it to cool to a temperature that you can tolerate drinking. Honey may help with the bitter taste, according to Medical News Today.
5. Almonds
Almonds are a good source of vitamins A, B, and E, according to Medical News Today. They note that a handful of almonds can help combat some of the causes of vertigo.
6. Essential Oils
Some essential oils (such as peppermint, ginger, lavender, and lemon) have been associated with treating vertigo, according to Medical News Today. They recommend that you experiment with which oil may work for you.
7. Acupressure
Acupressure applies the same concept as acupuncture, but without the needles, according to Medical News Today. They note that it can help alleviate the symptoms of vertigo by applying pressure to specific points on your body, as it may help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. They note that an effective pressure point for vertigo is located in the two tendons between the inner forearm and wrist.
When to See a Doctor
Vertigo is often a minor condition that resolves on its own or with home treatments, according to Healthline. However, there are some circumstances where the feeling of dizziness is a sign of a serious health condition that requires medical attention. The Mayo Clinic notes that you should see a doctor if you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged vertigo or feeling of dizziness.
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic notes that you need to get emergency attention if you have experienced vertigo with any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden, severe headache
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Numbness or paralysis of arms or legs
- Fainting
- Double vision
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Stumbling or difficulty walking
- Ongoing vomiting
- Seizures
- A sudden change in hearing
- Facial numbness or weakness
How to Prevent Vertigo
There are some lifestyle changes that you can make to help prevent vertigo, according to Healthline.
1. Stress Management
Stress can trigger vertigo, according to Healthline. So it's important to manage your stress levels. Healthline recommends practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Taking breaks throughout the day and avoiding overworking yourself can also help reduce stress levels, according to Healthline.
2. Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve balance and reduce stress, making it an effective prevention strategy for vertigo, according to Healthline. Certain yoga poses, such as the Child’s Pose and the Corpse Pose are simple poses that can help improve balance and stability. Healthline notes that you should be careful with any moves that involve quickly bending forward, which can temporarily make symptoms worse.
3. Avoid or Cut Down on Alcohol
Alcohol can affect the inner ear, according to the Vestibular Disorders Association—which can cause or worsen vertigo. Healthline recommends that you cut back or avoid alcohol if you experience vertigo.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can worsen vertigo symptoms, according to Healthline. So it is important to get enough sleep each night. Healthline recommends that you aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Summary of How to Manage Vertigo
Vertigo is commonly caused by calcium deposits getting stuck in the canals of the inner ear, or by fluid or inflammation of the inner ear. The most common condition associated with vertigo is BPPV, which can be fixed by maneuvers like the Epley Maneuver or the Foster Maneuver. Additionally, there are some home remedies that you can use to help ease your vertigo. Some of these home remedies include taking Ginkgo Biloba, drinking ginger root tea, eating almonds, staying hydrated, and making sure you’re getting enough vitamin D.
You should see a doctor if you have any severe or prolonged case of vertigo, as it can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Frequently asked questions
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance, often described as a feeling that the world is spinning around you.What are some common causes of vertigo?
Common causes include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), inflammation of the inner ear, and Meniere’s Disease.How can vertigo be treated?
Vertigo can be treated with canalith repositioning maneuvers and home remedies like Ginkgo Biloba, hydration, vitamin D, ginger root tea, almonds, essential oils, and acupressure.When should I seek medical attention for vertigo?
You should seek medical attention if your vertigo is recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged, or if it is accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness or paralysis of arms or legs, fainting, double vision, rapid or irregular heartbeat, confusion or slurred speech, stumbling or difficulty walking, ongoing vomiting, seizures, a sudden change in hearing, or facial numbness or weakness.How can I prevent vertigo?
You can prevent vertigo by managing stress, practicing yoga, avoiding or cutting down on alcohol, and ensuring you get enough sleep.
LinkedIn
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
