Vertigo is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear, although it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain. Causes of vertigo may include: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – where certain head movements trigger vertigo. migraines – severe headaches.
Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy. Lie still with your eyes closed in a darkened room if you're experiencing a severe episode of vertigo. Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you experience frequent dizziness without warning. Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, salt and tobacco.
Fluid retention in the inner ear can cause vertigo, so include some of these fruits rich in potassium to lessen symptoms such as bananas, grapes, apricots, etc. Nuts: Nuts are a great source of healthy fats and vitamins E, A, And B that are helpful to mitigate symptoms and keep you energetic all through the day.
Over time, ear crystals may dissolve, but bear in mind that this could take weeks or longer, and during that time, a person would have to endure the extreme discomfort of BPPV, where even the slightest head movements would throw their world into disarray.
“In rare cases, people who experience debilitating vertigo might need surgery, but I find that lying down in the dark, avoiding lights, TVs, and other distractions, and just getting some rest can ease my symptoms,” she said.
Avoid sudden movements or position changes. Ask your provider about using a cane or other walking aid when you have a vertigo attack. Avoid bright lights, TV, and reading during a vertigo attack. They may make symptoms worse.
Although vertigo usually starts with a condition in the inner ear, stress and anxiety can make it worse. Chronic stress or worry can also lead to more episodes of vertigo in the future. In stress-related vertigo, using strategies for both the body and the mind is the best way to regain your sense of balance.
For most people with vertigo, the spinning sensation lasts a few seconds to several minutes and usually goes away without treatment. People with recurring vertigo may have severe problems in the inner ear canal or brain, or have another medical condition contributing to the problem.
Potassium is crucial in fluid regulation in the body. Build up of inner ear fluid can cause vertigo, so eating these fruits can also help reduce symptoms: Bananas.
Generally, see your doctor if you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo. Get emergency medical care if you experience new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following: Sudden, severe headache. Chest pain.
Signs of vertigo
You could feel the nausea or vomiting that sometimes accompanies motion sickness, and you could have vision or hearing symptoms also. Headaches and head sweating are also possible.
Although less common, vertigo may be a sign that something serious is happening. More severe conditions to watch for include: Head injury. Brain tumors.
Many experts recommend that you try and sleep on your back, as the crystals within your ear canals are less likely to become disturbed and trigger a vertigo attack. If you happen to get up in the middle of the night, rise slowly as opposed to making any sudden movements with the head or the neck.
If you're dehydrated, you may start to feel dizzy. This feeling can cause you to also experience lightheadedness, wooziness, fairness and unsteadiness. You may also experience a very specific form of dizziness called vertigo.
When they are dislodged, the crystals float around in the fluid area of the balance branch of the inner ear, and you will start to feel off balance. The loose crystals will start to make people feel like they are spinning and the room is spinning around them.
Vertigo could also affect your ability to drive. You should avoid driving if you've recently had episodes of vertigo and there's a chance you may have another episode while you're driving.
Vertigo occurs in 20% hypertensive patients and is unrelated to elevated blood pressure. It is rather due to associated neurological, peripheral vestibular and other diseases.
The treatment includes a series of body movements that reposition the crystals in your inner ear, where they no longer cause symptoms. Two procedures used are the canalith repositioning procedure and the Lempert roll. With canalith repositioning, just one time through the procedure is often enough to correct BPPV.