Natural Remedies to Treat Vertigo at Home

Natural Remedies to Treat Vertigo at Home

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a feeling of movement, usually spinning, when you aren’t moving. It may feel like the room around you is spinning. It’s caused by your senses telling your brain that your body is off balance, even though it isn’t.

- Advertisement -

Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo is a symptom of an underlying condition, not a diagnosis. It can result from several different causes. Some types of vertigo occur only once, and some continue to recur until the underlying condition is found.

Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV)

The most common cause of vertigo is benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV). BPPV happens when calcium deposits build up in your inner ear, which navigates your sense of balance.

Home Remedies and Maneuvers

Some home remedies and maneuvers you can do yourself may help relieve vertigo. These include:

Epley Maneuver

The Epley maneuver is effective for people with BPPV. You can perform the maneuver at home by following this procedure:

1. Start by sitting upright on a flat surface, with a pillow behind you and your legs outstretched.
2. Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
3. With your head still titled, quickly recline with your head on the pillow. Stay in this position for at least 30 seconds.
4. Slowly turn your head to the left, a full 90 degrees, without lifting your neck.
5. Engage your whole body, turning it to the left so you are completely on your left side.
6. Slowly return to your original position, looking forward and sitting straight up.

Half-Somersault Maneuver

The half-somersault maneuver is another strategy for people with BPPV. Research suggests that it may work as well as the Epley maneuver, but while performing it, people typically experience less dizziness than with the Epley maneuver. This may make it easier to perform on your own.

Semont-Toupet Maneuver

The Semont-Toupet maneuver is a similar set of movements you can perform at home to treat vertigo. This maneuver is less well-known, but some claim it is similarly effective. The Semont-Toupet maneuver involves movements similar to the Epley Maneuver but requires less neck flexibility.

Brandt-Daroff Exercise

The Brandt-Daroff exercise may also be easier to perform independently, but you shouldn’t perform it unless you are in a safe place and won’t be driving for a while because it may increase dizziness for a short time. Research suggests it isn’t as effective as the Epley maneuver but may help resolve vertigo in some people with BPPV.

Other Natural Remedies

Other natural remedies you can try to relieve vertigo include:

Ginkgo Biloba

Researchers have studied ginkgo biloba for its effects on vertigo. It may be effective in treating certain kinds of vertigo, particularly vertigo caused by a buildup of plaque in the brain’s arteries (cerebral arteriosclerosis).

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation can help reduce stress while increasing flexibility and balance. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a type of physical therapy performed in an outpatient setting to help your brain anticipate and compensate for the cause of your vertigo.

Dehydration

Dehydration can sometimes cause vertigo. You may be able to stop vertigo by drinking water. You can also prevent vertigo from dehydration by drinking enough water each day.

Conclusion

Vertigo is a symptom of an underlying condition, not a diagnosis. Treating vertigo at home using specific exercises and maneuvers may help. However, if you continue to experience frequent vertigo, it’s important to find out the cause. A primary care doctor might be able to diagnose you, or they may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or neurologist for further evaluation.

FAQs

Q: What is the most common cause of vertigo?
A: The most common cause of vertigo is benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV).

Q: What is the Epley maneuver?
A: The Epley maneuver is a series of movements you can perform at home to treat vertigo caused by BPPV.

Q: Can yoga and meditation help with vertigo?
A: Yes, yoga and meditation can help reduce stress while increasing flexibility and balance, which may help with vertigo.

Q: Can dehydration cause vertigo?
A: Yes, dehydration can sometimes cause vertigo. Drinking enough water each day can help prevent vertigo from dehydration.

Q: Should I see a doctor if I experience frequent vertigo?
A: Yes, if you continue to experience frequent vertigo, it’s important to find out the cause. A primary care doctor might be able to diagnose you, or they may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or neurologist for further evaluation.