If you have ever felt dizziness where it feels like you or the world around you is spinning, you may suffer from vertigo. Unlike ordinary dizziness or faintness, vertigo is more of a rotational spinning that can cause you to feel, or even become, off balanced. There are many different causes of vertigo, so your treatment may depend on the underlying cause.
Medication
Depending on the cause of your vertigo, your physician may wish to treat the problem with medication. If your vertigo is caused by Meniere’s disease may benefit from a reduction in fluid buildup through the use of diuretics. Vertigo that is a result of an inflammation or some type of infection might best be treated through the use of a steroid medication or with antibiotics. Other medications might help with related symptoms, such as nausea.
Exercises
There are some exercises that might help you to reduce crystals or calcium deposits within the ear canal to reduce episodes of vertigo. These exercises can be done at home on your own. Your doctor or physical therapist can show you what is to be done, and you will perform the exercises the specified number of times per day. Also referred to as canalith repositioning maneuvers, these exercises might include the Epley maneuver or Brandt-Daroff exercises.
Physical Therapy
A type of physical therapy known as vestibular rehabilitation can be very effective for some who suffer from recurrent vertigo. The aim of this therapy is to strengthen the way that the body sends messages to the brain regarding movements and gravity by training your other senses to make compensations to reduce the occurrence of spinning sensations.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary if your vertigo is caused by an injury or a growth inside of the inner ear canal, such as a tumor. If crystals are a continuing issue, a plug can be surgically inserted to block the region where your problems may originate.
Home Remedies
Whether you are undergoing treatment or would like to treat your vertigo symptoms at home, there are several lifestyle changes that you can make. Move slowly, especially when getting up or down to reduce dizziness. Sit down as soon as you notice symptoms until they pass. Use a cane to keep yourself steady if vertigo affects your balance. If you tend to get up at night, keep walking areas well lit and free from clutter.