How to Get Rid of Vertigo

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:09:39 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Have you ever felt like the world around you was suddenly spinning, that you couldn’t manage to balance yourself or that you had unexplained ringing in your ears along with changes in your eyesight? If so, you might have experienced vertigo, a symptom that results from various types of “balance disorders,” usually caused by abnormal changes in the inner ears. Vertigo is not actually a disorder or medical condition Vertigo is not actually a disorder or medical condition — rather it’s the cluster of symptoms caused by other disorders, and chances are you or someone you know has experienced it. In fact, research shows that nearly 40 percent of all people over the age of 40 will experience vertigo at least once in their lifetimes. If all of this sounds familiar to you, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of vertigo. Treating vertigo involves repairing the inner ear by identifying the damage’s underlying cause, plus preventing it from occurring again by making certain lifestyle changes. What Is Vertigo? There have been over a dozen different disorders identified that cause balance dysfunctions. Balance is defined as “the ability to maintain the body’s center of mass over its base of support.” Normally, various systems within the body are at play to help us remain balanced, keep ourselves upright when moving and identify orientation with respect to our surroundings. Our ability to stay balanced is maintained by several systems, including: the sensorimotor control system (which controls our senses, such as our sight and hearing) the proprioception system (responsible for touch) the vestibular system (helps us move without falling over) The inner ears obviously help us hear, but they’re also an important part of the vestibular system, which allows us to identify where we are in space. Vertigo develops when delicate parts of the ears no longer accurately send information to the brain about your position. This can occur for various reasons, including ear infections, a blow to the head, injuries, inflammation or simply aging. Here is more on vertigo: 40 percent of people over 40 years old experience vertigo at some point that’s severe enough to speak with a doctor. Researchers have identified more than 12 different balance disorders that can cause vertigo. The three main types of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease and vestibular neuritis. BPPV is the No. 1 cause of inner-ear-related balance disorders like vertigo. BPPV affects around 2 percent of the population every year. A rare form of vertigo is caused by Meniere’s disease, which only affects about 0.2 percent of the population between ages 40–60. Women are twice as likely as men to develop vertigo for reasons that aren’t well understood. 80 percent of people with BPPV vertigo experience relief after trying head maneuvers that break up inner ear rocks. Following an episode of vertigo, 50 percent of patients usually experience the problem again within five years. Thankfully, there are natural ways for how to get rid of vertigo and help manage symptoms. How to Ged Rid of Vertigo 1. Physical Therapy For people who experience recurring vertigo, one type of helpful treatment is vestibular rehabilitation, a form of physical therapy that addresses the vestibular organs. The vestibular system constantly sends information to the brain in the form of nerve impulses from special nerve endings called sensory receptors, so therapy can retrain these organs to work with our other senses to re-establish a sense of balance. Vestibular rehab can help promote central nervous system compensation for inner-ear problems causing loss of balance. Inactivity has also been linked to worsened vertigo, so additionally, physical therapy treatments work on increasing strength, range of motion, flexibility and movement, while preventing muscle fatigue and soreness. A vestibular rehab program might include various exercises for building better hand-eye coordination, improving balance, strengthening joints and muscles, and improving fitness and endurance. These exercises can also help ease pain and allow you to rest better if you usually find you can’t sleep comfortably. Acupuncture and acupressure have both been shown to be effective in treating different forms of vertigo as well, and these techniques can be included as part of physical therapy for this condition. 2. Head Maneuvers (“Canalith Repositioning Procedure,” or CRP) Certain types of exercises and head adjustments can help move ear rocks (calcium deposits) out of the area in the ears where they cause problems. This technique is recommended by the American Academy of Neurology, which offers a series of specific head and body movements for clearing the canals of the inner ear chambers. CRP is very effective with an approximate efficiency rate of 80 percent for people who suffer from BPPV-type vertigo. It’s also usually helpful for preventing vertigo from reccuring. How does it work exactly? When the head moves a certain way, the canaliths within the canals travel back to their correct location in the utricle, where they usually dissolve, break up and stop causing dizziness. The canalith repositioning procedures usually involve holding four positions for about 30 to 45 seconds each or as long as symptoms remain. Then you hold your head in a fixed position for about 20 seconds after symptoms go away. The procedures can be done in a doctor’s office quickly and painlessly. If it’s your first time dealing with vertigo and trying head maneuvers to resolve your symptoms, it’s a good idea to meet with a doctor who can show you how to properly perform them. Head maneuvers that are part of CRP include the Epley maneuver and Semont-Toupet maneuver. The Epley maneuver is a series of head and body movements that can be used to treat BPPV, a condition where certain head movements trigger episodes of dizziness or spinning. It is important to note that before attempting the Epley maneuver, you should consult with a health care professional to ensure that BPPV is the correct diagnosis and to receive personalized guidance. Additionally, the Epley maneuver should be performed under the supervision of a qualified health care provider. Here is how to perform the Epley maneuver for how to get rid of vertigo: Sit upright: Begin by sitting on a bed or table with your legs extended in front of you. Turn your head: Turn your head 45 degrees to the side that causes dizziness. Use a pillow or support to keep your shoulders on the bed while maintaining the head tilt. Lie down: Quickly lie back, keeping your head in the turned position. Your shoulders should be on the bed, and your head should be hanging slightly over the edge. Wait: Stay in this position for about 30 seconds or until the dizziness resolves. Turn head to the other side: Turn your head to the opposite side without raising it, and wait for another 30 seconds. Roll onto your side: Turn your body to the side of the affected ear. This should bring your head and body in line with each other. Sit up: Finally, sit up slowly while keeping your head level. This completes the maneuver. It’s important to follow these steps precisely and perform them slowly to avoid injury. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience new symptoms, consult with a health care professional for further evaluation and guidance. They may need to perform specific diagnostic tests or maneuvers to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. The Semont-Toupet maneuver is another technique used to treat BPPV, particularly when the posterior canal is involved. Here’s how to perform the Semont-Toupet maneuver for how to get rid of vertigo: Sit upright: Begin by sitting on a bed or table with your legs extended in front of you. Turn your head: Turn your head 45 degrees toward the unaffected side (opposite the side causing dizziness). Lie down quickly: Lie down on your side, bringing your head to a 45-degree angle below the horizontal. Your head should be positioned at a 45-degree angle below the bed. Wait: Stay in this position for about one to three minutes or until the dizziness resolves. Sit up on the opposite side: Quickly move to the opposite side, keeping your head at the same angle, and sit up. Wait again: Sit in this position for another one to three minutes. Return to the sitting position: Finally, return to an upright sitting position. As with the Epley maneuver, it’s essential to follow these steps precisely and perform them slowly to minimize the risk of injury. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, or if you encounter new symptoms, seek medical attention for further evaluation and guidance. Another head maneuver that’s been shown to be effective is the Brandt-Daroff exercise. Brandt-Daroff exercises are a series of movements that can be performed at home to help alleviate symptoms of BPPV. These exercises are often recommended by health care professionals and can be done independently. The effectiveness of these exercises may vary from person to person. Here’s how you can perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises: Sit on the edge of your bed: Start in an upright sitting position on the edge of your bed or a flat surface. Turn your head to one side: Quickly lie down on one side with your head turned at a 45-degree angle toward the ceiling. Keep your head in this position for about 30 seconds or until the dizziness subsides. Return to the sitting position: Sit back up in an upright position for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side: Lie down on the opposite side with your head turned at a 45-degree angle toward the ceiling. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds. Return to the sitting position: Sit back up for another 30 seconds. Repeat the cycle: Repeat these steps for about five to 10 minutes or until you feel more comfortable and experience less dizziness. It’s recommended to perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises several times a day until your symptoms improve. Keep in mind that it might take some time for the exercises to have an effect, and consistency is key. 3. Reduce Stress Stress and inflammation both seem to raise the risk for vertigo. Stress is capable of reducing immunity, making it more likely that you’ll experience ear infections, swelling and other problems related to the vestibular system. The more stressed you are, the less likely you are to exercise regularly and get good sleep — both of which you really need if you’re prone to developing vertigo! That’s why chronic stress is so dangerous. Try natural stress relievers like exercising, yoga, meditation, tai chi, taking warm baths, using essential oils and spending more time outdoors. 4. A Healthy Diet and Staying Hydrated Some doctors prescribe medications to reduce inflammation or infections within the ears, but ultimately this doesn’t help solve the problem long term for some people. A crucial aspect to limiting inflammation and preventing dehydration is eating a nutrient-rich diet. Anti-inflammatory foods can help manage blood pressure levels and are usually hydrating, which keeps you protected from dehydration, lowering your risk for vertigo. Foods to include in your diet often include: vegetables (especially those high in blood pressure-lowering potassium, such as leafy greens) fresh fruit (like bananas and avocado) healthy sources of fats (like wild fish, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil) clean sources of lean protein (grass-fed meat, cage-free eggs and pasture-raised poultry, for example) In addition, drink enough water each day, and lower your intake of caffeine and alcohol if you feel dizzy often. Ginger tea is another good option, as research shows it can help alleviate vertigo symptoms. Even mild dehydration can cause dizziness and changes in blood pressure that can make you feel off-balance and nauseous. In addition, supplementing with ginkgo biloba and vitamin D has also been shown to be effective for how to get rid of vertigo. 5. Be Active but Get Enough Rest Too People who experience a lack of sleep, tossing and turning, and inactivity are more likely to suffer from vertigo. Make it a priority to get...

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People Who Feel Dizzy When They Stand Up May Have Higher Risk of Dementia

AHA Publisher — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 07:00:07 +0000

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) via Newswise – Some people who feel dizzy or lightheaded when they stand up may have an increased risk of developing dementia years later, according to a new study published in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The condition, called orthostatic hypotension, occurs when people experience a sudden drop in blood pressure when they stand up. The study found the link with dementia only in people who have a drop in their systolic blood pressure, not in people with only a drop in their diastolic blood pressure or their blood pressure overall. Systolic is the first, or top, number in a blood pressure reading and systolic orthostatic hypotension was defined as a drop of at least 15 mmHg after standing from a sitting position. “People’s blood pressure when they move from sitting to standing should be monitored,” said study author Laure Rouch, Pharm.D., Ph.D., of the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s possible that controlling these blood pressure drops could be a promising way to help preserve people’s thinking and memory skills as they age.” The study involved 2,131 people who were an average age of 73 and did not have dementia when they enrolled. Their blood pressure readings were taken at the start of the study and then one, three and five years later. A total of 15% had orthostatic hypotension, 9% had systolic orthostatic hypotension and 6% had diastolic orthostatic hypotension. Over the next 12 years, the participants were evaluated to see if anyone developed dementia. A total of 462 people, or 22%, did develop the disease. The people with systolic orthostatic hypotension were nearly 40% more likely to develop dementia than those who did not have the condition. Fifty of the 192 with systolic orthostatic hypotension, or 26%, developed dementia, compared to 412 of the 1,939 people without it, or 21%. When researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect dementia risk, such as diabetes, smoking and alcohol use, those with systolic orthostatic hypotension were 37% more likely to develop dementia. The researchers also found that people whose sitting-to-standing systolic blood pressure readings changed the most from visit to visit were more likely to develop dementia years later than people whose readings were more stable. The people were divided into three groups based on how much their readings changed over time. A total of 24% of people in the group with the most fluctuation in systolic readings later developed dementia, compared to 19% of the people in the group with the least fluctuation. When researchers adjusted for other factors affecting dementia risk, those in the highest group were 35% more likely to develop dementia than those in the lowest group. Rouch noted that the study is observational and does not show cause and effect. It only shows an association between the blood pressure readings and the development of dementia. Another limitation of the study was that the diagnosis of dementia was made without distinction between Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

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How to Get Rid of Vertigo

People Who Feel Dizzy When They Stand Up May Have Higher Risk of Dementia