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.
Sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows. Get out of bed slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a while before standing up. Try to relax – anxiety and stress can make vertigo worse and can trigger vertigo episodes. Avoid bending down to pick up items.
Epley Maneuver
Place a pillow under you so when you lie down, it rests between your shoulders rather than under your head. Quickly lie down on your back, with your head on the bed (still at the 45-degree angle). The pillow should be under your shoulders. Wait 30 seconds (for any vertigo to stop).
Move slowly when standing up, turning your head or performing other triggering movements. Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows. Lie in a dark, quiet room to reduce the spinning sensation. Sit down as soon as you feel dizzy.
Frequent bouts about dizziness and vertigo can indicate B12 deficiency.
Avoid caffeinated beverages as it causes dehydration and triggers migraine and vertigo. Avoid consuming foods containing tyramine such as non-processed cheeses, cured meat and dry sausages. In case you develop nausea, consume alkaline foods including nuts, vegetables and fruits.
Sit down right away when you feel dizzy. To get up from a lying position, slowly sit up and stay seated for a few moments before standing. Make sure you hold on to something when standing. Avoid sudden movements or position changes.
Summary. 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.
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.
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. If you're dealing with vertigo, you may feel like everything around you is spinning.
As a general rule of thumb, you should seek medical attention if you experience vertigo that is severe, recurrent or long-lasting.
Risk factors
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurs most often in people age 50 and older, but can occur at any age. BPPV is also more common in women than in men. A head injury or any other disorder of the balance organs of your ear may make you more susceptible to BPPV .
Caused by a problem in the brain, central vertigo can be linked to serious conditions such as stroke, brain tumor and multiple sclerosis. Symptoms develop gradually and are typically mild but constant and may include gait instability and loss of coordination.
Magnesium. Magnesium oxide is a popular food supplement among patients who experience regular bouts of vertigo. According to Vestibular.org, taking around 400 to 800 mg of magnesium oxide might help curb the impact of disorders like vestibular migraines and PPPD (Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness).
Walking is a simple but powerful exercise for vertigo. It can help improve your balance. Walking with greater balance will allow you to function better on your own, which in turn may lead to improved self-confidence. As you walk, you will also be working your muscles.
Sleeping on your side, especially with the “bad” ear down, can trigger a vertigo attack.
Although it is not well understood as of yet, emotional stress connected to adverse life events can be a trigger for vertigo. High levels of anxiety, stress and depression could trigger the symptoms of an underlying issue such as an inner ear condition, but they can also cause vertigo by themselves.
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.
First, it is important to outline the differences between vertigo and dizziness. While these words are often used interchangeably, they describe different sensations. Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, foggy or unsteady. Vertigo, which is less common than dizziness, is an overall spinning sensation.
Recurring vertigo usually is caused by a disorder involving the vestibular (balance) system, which includes several tiny, fluid-filled canals — called the semicircular canals — inside your ears. There are several vestibular disorders. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
The treatment for that is to put the head in different positions to move those crystals back into the part of the ear that they belong. As soon as those crystals get back into that part of the ear, patient's symptoms improve dramatically.
This feeling is typically associated with vertigo, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, including ear infections, head injuries and more — but not high blood pressure. “Vertigo symptoms are very unlikely to be caused by any type of blood pressure issues,” Dr. Laffin says.