8 tips on how to deal with vertigo

Vertigo can describe a number of symptoms including faintness and lightheadedness, disequilibrium (feeling off-balance), and the feeling of motion when there is none. Everyone can experience vertigo slightly differently but it can be very unsettling. Often it causes nausea akin to motion-sickness.
The most common type of vertigo is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and it occurs when little calcium crystals become loose in your inner ear. It is more common in older people but fortunately it is also the easiest type of vertigo to treat because certain physical movements can move the calcium crystals and bring relief. Vertigo can also be caused by issues of fluid and pressure in the inner ear, or inflammation related to infection of the inner ear. Here are eight tips to help you deal with your vertigo at home.
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Physical exercises for relief of BPPV.
1) Epley Maneuver. WebMD describes the following exercise to deal with vertigo coming from your left side: Place a pillow on your bed so that when you lie down on your back the pillow will be between your shoulders (as opposed to under your head). Turn your head 45 degrees to your left, and then quickly lie down on your back so that your shoulders are on the pillow and your head is resting on the bed, still on the 45 degree angle. Hold that pose for thirty seconds, and then turn your head to the right and hold for thirty seconds. Finally, turn your whole body to the right and remain for another thirty seconds. Slowly sit up when you've finished, but don't undertake any sudden activity. Repeat this manoeuvre three times each night before bed. If your vertigo comes from the right, reverse the instructions.
2) Semont Maneuver. This exercise employs similar angles to the Epley Maneuver but it utilised less often, perhaps because of the rapid nature of the movements. However, it may be worth a try. You can see full instructions and diagrams for the Semont Maneuver here.
3) Half-Somersault or Foster Maneuver. WebMD explains you should kneel on the floor and look up at the ceiling for a few seconds, then tuck your chin in and bend forward until you are touching the floor with your head. Hold for thirty seconds. Turn your head in the direction of your affected side and hold for anther thirty seconds. Quickly raise your head so that it is level with your back - not fully upright, and hold for another thirty seconds. Finally, quickly raise your head all the way, but keep it turned to the side that you're working on. Repeat as necessary, and always get to your feet carefully.
4) Brandt-Daroff exercise. Sit on your bed and tilt your head 45 degrees away from the affected side. Carefully lie down on your affected side, keeping your head in the same position so that your nose is now pointing upwards. Hold for thirty seconds, sit up, and repeat on the other side. You can practice this exercise three times in a row, three times a day, until your vertigo has subsided.
Dietary tips to control your vertigo
5) Vitamin D. This vitamin may be beneficial for people diagnosed with BPPV - chat to your doctor to see whether your dizziness might be caused by a vitamin deficiency.
6) Ginger. You already know that ginger is widely used to combat nausea, and it can bring the same benefits to those suffering from vertigo. According to Best Health Mag there are studies to show that ginger root can significantly reduce symptoms. You can eat it raw, but it can be more pleasant to make a tea by steeping ginger root in boiling water for about five minutes. You can add honey for taste if preferred.
7) Gingko biloba. This is one of the most widely researched herbs in the world, according to The Alternative Daily, and is well known for increasing vital blood flow to the head. Ensure that you get a supplement containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides or gingkolisides, then begin treatment with 250 milligrams every day until your vertigo improves. You can then reduce the dosage to somewhere between 40 to 60 milligrams daily to prevent it from returning.
8) Hydrate. Sometimes the simplest answers are the best - make sure you are adequately hydrated. Remedy My Vertigo explains that even mild dehydration can cause dizziness, so pick up a glass of water and get drinking!
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Vertigo can lead to unpleasant nausea and in more severe cases - particularly among older people - can be a fall hazard. Speak to your doctor to try and ascertain what the cause of your vertigo is, and in the meantime try these home remedies. Always move carefully and within your comfort levels.
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.