SIMPLE MOVEMENTS MAY HELP RELIEVE DIZZINESS DURING AN EPISODE.
Overheating or dehydration can cause lightheadedness and dizziness, but vertigo creates a distinct spinning or tilting sensation even when you’re still. Nearly 40% of Americans experience vertigo at some point in their lives. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments can help manage episodes effectively.
Key Takeaways
Vertigo causes dizziness and a spinning sensation, often linked to inner ear problems, dehydration, or other medical conditions. It is more common in women and adults over 50.
Exercises such as the Epley, Brandt-Daroff, Semont, and half-somersault maneuvers may help relieve certain types of vertigo by repositioning displaced inner ear crystals.
Results vary, and some exercises may temporarily worsen dizziness before symptoms improve.
Persistent or severe vertigo may require medical treatment, including hydration, medication, or vestibular rehabilitation, depending on the cause.
What Is Vertigo? Causes, Exercises, and Treatment
Vertigo causes a spinning or moving sensation even when you’re standing still. Episodes may last seconds, minutes, or days and are often linked to inner ear problems.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo occurs when the body’s balance system, particularly the inner ear, sends conflicting signals to the brain.
Common causes include:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear trigger dizziness during head movements.
Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear.
Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation affecting the balance nerve.
Ménière’s disease: An inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo and hearing problems.
Migraines or head injuries: These may also trigger vertigo episodes.
Vertigo is more common in adults over 50 and women, although it can affect anyone.
4 Exercises That May Help Relieve Vertigo
Certain exercises can help reposition displaced inner ear crystals and relieve symptoms of BPPV. These maneuvers should be performed after a healthcare professional confirms the cause and identifies the affected ear.
1. Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver is commonly used to treat BPPV by moving displaced calcium crystals back into their proper location.
How to perform it:
Sit on your bed with a pillow positioned to support your shoulders when lying back.
Turn your head 45 degrees toward the affected ear.
Lie back with your head slightly extended and hold for 30 seconds.
Turn your head 90 degrees toward the opposite side and hold for another 30 seconds.
Roll your body in the same direction until you’re lying on your side. Hold for 30 seconds.
Slowly return to a seated position.
Temporary dizziness is common during the maneuver. Learn the correct technique from a healthcare professional before attempting it at home.
2. Brandt-Daroff Exercises
These exercises may help reduce positional vertigo symptoms by encouraging the balance system to adapt.
How to perform them:
Sit upright on a bed.
Turn your head approximately 45 degrees to one side.
Lie down on the opposite side and remain there for about 30 seconds or until dizziness subsides.
Return to a seated position.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Move carefully and follow your healthcare provider’s recommended repetitions.
3. Semont Maneuver
The Semont maneuver is another technique used to reposition inner ear crystals.
How it works:
Sit on an examination table with your head turned away from the affected side.
A healthcare professional quickly guides you onto the affected side.
Hold the position for approximately 30 seconds.
Move to the opposite side while maintaining your head’s position.
Hold briefly before returning upright.
This maneuver may cause temporary dizziness and should be performed with professional assistance.
4. Half-Somersault Maneuver
Also called the Foster maneuver, this exercise may help relieve BPPV symptoms.
How to perform it:
Kneel on the floor and tilt your head upward.
Lower your head toward the floor into a somersault position.
Turn your head toward the affected ear.
Raise your head to back level while keeping it turned.
Slowly lift your head and return upright.
Some research suggests this technique may cause less temporary dizziness than the Epley maneuver, although it may require more repetitions.
Because it involves kneeling and head positioning, it may not be suitable for people with neck, back, or mobility problems.
Other Vertigo Treatments
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking sufficient water may help if dizziness is related to dehydration.
Medications
Certain medications, including meclizine, may temporarily relieve nausea and dizziness associated with some vestibular conditions. However, they do not correct displaced crystals in BPPV.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Physical therapy can help improve balance, reduce dizziness, and support recovery from certain inner ear disorders.
Treat Underlying Conditions
Vertigo associated with migraines, infections, or other medical conditions may require specific treatments recommended by a healthcare provider.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare professional if vertigo is frequent, persistent, unexplained, or interferes with everyday activities.
Seek emergency medical attention if dizziness occurs with sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, double vision, severe headache, chest pain, or difficulty walking.
The Bottom Line
Vertigo can cause uncomfortable spinning sensations, but certain exercises may help relieve symptoms, particularly when caused by BPPV.
The Epley, Brandt-Daroff, Semont, and half-somersault maneuvers are commonly used techniques. However, not every type of vertigo responds to these exercises.
Proper diagnosis and guidance from a healthcare professional can help determine the safest and most effective treatment.
Source: SingleCare