Treatment for vertigo
Treatment for vertigo and dizziness is always a challenge. The main problem is that modern medicine doesn’t know precisely what causes vertigo, and thus, it is very complicated to develop a proper treatment. There are several prescription and over-the-counter medicines for the treatment of dizziness.
The detailed diagnosis dictates which of the healing options is best for each patient:
- Dizziness associated with migraines usually responds to medications that can prevent migraines.
- Acute vertigo is best healed with nonspecific medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®) and meclizine (Bonine®). These drugs are eventually weaned off because they can prevent long-term healing.
- Dizziness that only occurs within the first five minutes after standing is usually due to a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). Pharmaceutical medicines, including dramamine® and meclizine (Bonine®), can be effectively used. Patients may also wear compression stockings or thigh-high compression stockings, raise the head of the bed, increase salt intake, and increase fluids.
- Intermittent dizziness caused by movement of the head or neck usually responds to a type of physical therapy called vestibular rehabilitation.
Below are the standard treatments for vertigo
Medication Options
Commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of vertigo are:
- Meclizine hydrochloride (Antivert),
- Scopolamine transdermal patch (Transderm-Scop),
- Promethazine hydrochloride (Phenergan),
- Metoclopramide (Reglan),
- Ondansetron (Zofran),
- Diazepam (Valium),
- Lorazepam (Ativan),
- Clonazepam (Klonopin), and
- Prednisone
Your doctor might also advise some over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines for vertigo, such as
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and
- Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).
These medications should be taken only as directed and under the supervision of a doctor. Many medications can cause drowsiness and should not be taken before driving or working.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is the sense of the world spinning, rotating, or rocking that is experienced even when a person is holding perfectly still. Some patients use vertigo interchangeably with dizziness to describe various symptoms, ranging from balance disorders and difficulty walking to motion sickness or lightheadedness.
If you have vertigo, you may feel like you’re moving or spinning when you’re not. Or you may feel like your surroundings are in motion when they aren’t.
Many people describe vertigo as feeling dizzy, but it’s different from being light-headed. Simple movements are unusually intense for people with vertigo, which can impact your everyday life.
Your symptoms will probably depend on what’s causing your episodes and your type of vertigo.
However, most healthcare professionals consider vertigo a specific complaint involving the inner ear and brain balance centers. To understand vertigo, it’s helpful to understand the ear’s anatomy. Sound waves travel through the outer ear canal until they reach the eardrum. From there, the sound turns into vibrations, which transmit in the middle ear via three small bones—the incus, the malleus, and the stapes—to the cochlea and finally to the vestibular nerve, which carries the signal to our brain that interprets those nerve impulses as sound.
The inner ear is not involved with hearing. It comprises three semicircular canals positioned at right angles to each other and lined with sensitive nerve cells, which act like a gyroscope for the body. The vestibular system comprises the semicircular canals set up in this way and the hair cells in the utricle, saccule, and otoliths (tiny structures that make the hair cells react to movement). This system provides instantaneous feedback to the body’s brain, vision, and proprioception receptors regarding our position in space.
Many children attempt to create a sense of vertigo by spinning or riding a merry-go-round or rollercoaster. This type of induced vertigo is self-limiting; it lasts a few moments and disappears. In comparison, when vertigo occurs spontaneously or due to an injury or illness, it may last for many hours or days before resolving.
The two main types of vertigo are:
Peripheral vertigo
A problem with the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear and the brain or other inner ear areas, can result in peripheral vertigo. This is the most common type of vertigo.
Central vertigo
Central vertigo happens when there’s a glitch in the brain, particularly in an area of the brain called the cerebellum.
Symptoms of vertigo
Symptoms of vertigo vary from person to person. Depending on the cause, symptoms might be mild or severe.
Common symptoms of vertigo include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling like you’re moving or spinning
- Problems focusing the eyes
- Hearing loss in one ear
- Balance problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
Other symptoms of vertigo include:
- Double vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Facial paralysis
- Eye movement difficulties
- Slurred speech
- Weak limbs
What causes dizziness?
There are several different causes of vertigo. Vertigo can be defined based on whether the cause is peripheral or central. Central causes of vertigo arise in the brain or spinal cord, while peripheral vertigo is due to a problem within the inner ear.
Below are the common causes of vertigo:
Peripheral causes of vertigo:
The structures in the inner ear may become inflamed spontaneously. Tiny crystals or stones found within the inner ear can become displaced and cause irritation to the tiny hair cells within the semicircular canals, leading to vertigo. This is known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Infection of the vestibular nerve can cause dizziness or vertigo. This is called vestibular neuronitis, vestibular neuritis, or labyrinthitis.
Fluid buildup within the inner ear or the endolymphatic system causes Ménière’s disease and vertigo, including hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ear). The cause of this fluid accumulation is unknown.
Acoustic neuromas and vestibular nerve tumors may also present with these three symptoms.
Central causes of vertigo:
- A concussion or traumatic brain injury may be associated with vertigo.
- Strokes may cause vertigo and loss of coordination.
- Multiple sclerosis
- Tumors of the brain and spinal cord
- Some patients with a type of migraine headache called vestibular migraine may develop vertigo as a symptom.
Natural treatments for vertigo
Vertigo treatment has become the highest priority in the US and worldwide since the syndrome is spreading very fast and impacts more and more people every year. According to recent studies, it has been found that in the United States alone, almost 35% of adults aged 40 or older have experienced vertigo or some other form of vestibular dysfunction. Vertigo is more of a symptom than a disease or condition. It is like a sensation of movement or a spinning feeling. An imbalance in the inner ear or, occasionally, brain issues are the cause.
This is another type of treatment for vertigo. Natural treatment for vertigo has been proven to cause no side effects, and it can help reduce the symptoms of vertigo. Below is a list of different commonly used approaches to natural treatment for vertigo
At-home remedies for vertigo: an effective natural treatment for vertigo
At-home remedies for vertigo are natural remedies for dizziness and balance that can help manage the symptoms of vertigo. Below are some different methods of treatment for vertigo at home.
Epley maneuver for vertigo—a well-known exercise-based natural treatment for vertigo
The Epley maneuver for vertigo is also called the “Canalith” repositioning maneuver. The Epley maneuver is the first go-to strategy for many people experiencing vertigo. Research indicates that the Epley maneuver is highly effective for people with BPPV. You can perform this at-home remedy for vertigo by following this simple procedure:
- Start sitting upright on a flat surface with a pillow behind you, and your legs outstretched.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
- With your head still titled, quickly recline with your head on the pillow. Stay in this position for at least 30 seconds.
- Slowly turn your head to the left, a full 90 degrees, without lifting your neck.
- Engage your whole body, turning it to the left so that you are entirely on your left side.
- Slowly return to your original position, looking forward and sitting straight up.
You may also have someone assist you with the Epley maneuver by guiding your head to the abovementioned steps. It can be repeated three times in a row, and you may feel dizzy during each movement.
The Semont-Toupet maneuver is an effective exercise-based natural treatment for vertigo.
This treatment for dizziness is a similar set of movements that you can perform at home to treat vertigo. This maneuver is less well-known, but some studies claim it is just as effective.
The Semont-Toupet maneuver is similar to the Epley maneuver but requires less neck flexibility.
- Start sitting upright on a flat surface with a pillow behind you, and your legs outstretched.
- Lie down, turn to your right, and look to your left side, looking upward.
- Quickly sit up and turn to your left side, facing your head to your left. You will now be looking down toward the ground.
- Slowly return to your original position, looking forward and sitting straight up.
Brandt-Daroff exercise is another natural treatment for vertigo.
This Brandt-Daroff exercise for dizziness is most commonly recommended at home because it is simple to do unsupervised.
You shouldn’t perform the Brandt-Daroff exercise unless you are in a safe place and won’t drive for a while because it might temporarily increase dizziness.
- Start by sitting on a flat surface with your legs dangling as they would from a chair.
- Turn your head to the left side as far as possible, then lay your head and torso down on your right. Your legs should not move. Stay here for at least 30 seconds.
- Sit up and turn your head back to the center position.
- Repeat the exercise on the opposite side by turning your head as far as possible to the right, then lying down on your left side.
- You can do this exercise in five repetitions and repeat it as often as three times a day, twice a week.
Yoga and tai chi are exercises for vertigo treatment.
Yoga and tai chi are other treatments for vertigo at home known to reduce stress while increasing flexibility and balance. Physical therapy in an outpatient setting trains your brain to compensate for the cause of your vertigo, and your exercise at home can mimic this effect. Try simple yoga poses, such as Child’s Pose and Corpse Pose, when feeling dizzy. Be cautious about anything that involves sudden bending forward, as that could make your symptoms temporarily feel stronger.
Hydration
Reducing your sodium intake is a home remedy for dizziness that may help. But the best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Monitor your water intake and try to account for hot, humid conditions and sweaty situations that might make you lose extra fluids. Plan to drink extra water during times when you tend to become dehydrated. You might find that simply being aware of how much water you drink helps decrease vertigo episodes.
Stress management
Stress can be a trigger for some vertigo-causing conditions, such as Meniere’s disease. This home remedy for dizziness can help decrease the number of episodes of vertigo. Practicing meditation and deep breathing techniques is an excellent place to start. Long-term stress isn’t something you can breathe through, and often, the causes of stress aren’t things you can cut out of your life. Being aware of what is causing your stress might reduce your vertigo symptoms.
Herbs for vertigo: an effective home-based natural treatment for vertigo
Herbs for vertigo are natural remedies for dizziness and balance that can help reduce the symptoms of vertigo.
Below are herbs for vertigo that have been proven to be effective
Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese herb known for relieving vertigo symptoms. It works by managing blood flow to the brain to relieve dizziness and balance issues. A study in the International Journal of Otolaryngology found that Ginkgo biloba is as effective as betahistine medication in managing vertigo.
- This natural remedy for dizziness and balance can reduce the effects of vertigo better than manual repositionings, such as the Epley maneuver. Ginger root can be steeped in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Honey can help with the bitter taste. Drinking ginger tea twice daily may help with dizziness, nausea, and other vertigo symptoms.
- Almonds are herbs for vertigo that are rich sources of vitamins A, B, and E. Eating a daily handful of almonds can help with vertigo symptoms. How almonds help is unknown, but it is possible that vitamin content can combat the causes of vertigo.
Essential oils are a safe and helpful natural treatment for vertigo.
Essential oils are a natural treatment for vertigo. They are affordable options for managing its symptoms, including nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
Some options for managing vertigo include peppermint, ginger, lavender, and lemon essential oils.
Essential oils are inhaled through an infuser or diluted in a carrier oil before being applied topically. People may have to experiment with various oils to find the best one to treat their vertigo symptoms.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese natural treatment for vertigo.
Acupressure is another natural remedy for dizziness and balance that applies the same concepts as acupuncture but without needles. The goal of acupressure is to promote wellness and relaxation. It can help manage vertigo by stimulating pressure points throughout the body.
One standard method, the P6 acupressure method, involves a practical pressure point in the two tendons between the inner forearm and the wrist.
One of the central concepts of traditional Chinese medicine is root and branch. The branches are the visible external signs or symptoms of the problem, and the root is what happens more profoundly in the body’s organ systems. In cases of vertigo, there is a lack of roots and excess branches.
The pathogens associated with dizziness and vertigo are phlegm, wind, fire, and Qi deficiency. When organs such as the spleen, stomach, kidneys, or heart are weakened, pathogens such as wind, heat, and phlegm may occur. San Jiao, aka the “triple heater,” is another chief concept in TCM; one of its primary functions is to control the movements of fluids in the body so that they do not accumulate and accumulate inappropriately. In dizziness, phlegm and heat develop to the point that they cause Jiao to stagnate and malfunction, pushing the phlegm up the body. The acupuncture practitioner will listen carefully to discover which organ systems are out of balance and work to strengthen these areas. For example, dizziness combined with emotional disturbances such as anger and depression are signs of too much wind or heat in the liver. A weakening of the heart or spleen can follow an extended illness or a period of stress and anxiety. Too much phlegm, heat, and moisture in the stomach and spleen can result from a poor diet and too much stress.
Acupuncture and herbs that tone these organs and eliminate heat and phlegm will eliminate the cause of the dizziness. In the meantime, specific acupoints can have a nearly immediate effect on directly relieving discomfort, promoting a natural cure for vertigo.
A study from a hospital in Taiwan used acupuncture to treat vertigo. The results convincingly showed an immediate improvement in symptoms.
A study of 60 patients admitted to the emergency department with dizziness for various reasons, including Meniere’s disease and BPPV, showed that acupuncture treatment provides immediate symptom relief and is a good alternative to vertigo caused by various causes.
Homeopathy is the #1 natural treatment for vertigo.
One of the most effective vertigo treatments in homeopathy. Before administering homeopathic remedies, a complete individual examination and case analysis are done, including the patient’s full medical history and mental and physical constitution. A predisposition is also considered for such chronic conditions. Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. Remedy selection is based on the theory of individualization and similarity of symptoms through a holistic approach.
Only in this way can it recover total health, removing all the signs and symptoms the patient suffers from.
Homeopathy aims to treat the presented disease and address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. With regard to therapeutic medication, several remedies are available to treat vertigo, which can be selected based on the cause, sensations, and modalities of the complaints. For the individual selection of medicines and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic physician.
We have listed some of the most common homeopathic remedies for vertigo treatment, including:
This remedy for vertigo treatment is especially suitable for the elderly and also for those who have overused tobacco or conditions arising from cerebral anemia. Simple movements like turning over in the bed or climbing stairs can aggravate vertigo.
This homeopathic medicine for vertigo treatment also works for the elderly with nervous vertigo.
is a good vertigo remedy when the symptoms begin in the back of the head and spread from there. These symptoms are slightly different from the Conium symptoms. When moving their head or getting up, the patient might experience typical gelseminum vertigo, which frequently comes with blurred vision. It gives a patient a general feeling of being drunk.
This is a commonly prescribed homeopathic ingredient for vertigo treatment. Cocculus Indicus is used when an individual feels worse while in a moving vehicle, boat, or airplane. That’s why Cocculus Indicus is also used for motion sickness. Digestive problems might accompany these symptoms. Even looking at moving scenes makes you feel worse.
Phosphorus is another excellent vertigo treatment for elderly people. It is usually taken when a patient feels like floating or whirling when getting up in the morning. A typical Phosphorus individual also craves really cold beverages and food. The patient feels that a dark environment suits them better.
This is a vertigo remedy, primarily for women. In such cases, vertigo gets worse due to delayed or suppressed menses. It also aggravates if a woman looks up. In addition to it, there may be nausea or stomach and digestive issues.
If an individual suffers in crowded places, Nux is the best individually selected vertigo treatment. This condition could also lead to a loss of consciousness or a feeling of being drunk. The patient feels uncomfortable in discos or places where lights bounce around. The vertigo symptoms are usually worsened in the open air, in the morning, or while smoking.
This vertigo treatment is suitable for the elderly who are victims of chronic congestive vertigo.
This treatment is ideal when trembling or debility are present along with vertigo. It is also especially suitable for vertigo from diseases of the eye or brain.
The above is not a complete and comprehensive guide. Depending on your symptoms, there are many more good homeopathic remedies. But please remember that any remedy for vertigo should be taken only after professional advice.
Homeopathic treatment for Vertigo in Philadelphia
If you suffer from chronic vertigo or other vestibular diseases, consider the Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic as your next treatment step. Under the supervision of internationally recognized homeopathic doctor Victor Tsan, this clinic has extended academic and clinical experience in vertigo treatment.
Contact Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic at (267) 403-3085 to make an appointment for an initial homeopathic evaluation and discuss your treatment plan with Dr. Tsan.