Vertigo is a very disturbing illness that includes symptoms like fainting, lightheadedness, off balancing and motion illusion. Everyone experiences vertigo in a unique way, but everyone agrees that vertigo is unpleasant. Vertigo can also lead to nausea because of motion sickness.
There are many types of vertigo, but the most common one is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or simply BPPV. It occurs because of the loose calcium crystals in your in ears. This vertigo is so common and older people seem to experience it more than younger people. Fortunately, this type is the easiest one to deal with and treat because simple movements are able to move the crystals and sooth the patient’s pain. Vertigo can be caused by ear pressure, infections related to the inner ear, and inner ear fluids. Without further ado, here are 8 methods that are going to help you with your vertigo
Exercises to relieve BPPV
1) Epley Maneuver
If vertigo is coming from your left side, then grab a pillow and place it on our bed and lay down on your back and make sure that the pillow is between your shoulders. But before you actually lay on your back, turn your head 45 degrees to the left then quickly lie down on your back as mentioned earlier with your head still on 45 degrees towards the left, and stay that way for about 30 seconds then turn your head to the right and hold for 30 seconds. Once the 30 seconds have passed, turn your entire body to the right and stay in that position for 30 seconds as well, then sit up slowly when you are done, but avoid surprising actions. Make sure to do this exercise every night before going to bed.
2) Semont Maneuver.
This one is very close to the Epley maneuver, but not many people use it often, maybe because of how fast you should execute the movements.
3) Half-Somersault or Foster Maneuver.
It is quite simple actually, all you have to do is to kneel and start to look up towards the ceiling for a couple of seconds. Once done, try tucking your chin and start bending forward until you start touching the floor with your head, then hold that position for 30 seconds. Then, turn your head towards the affected area and freeze for about 30 seconds. Then, raise your head quickly until your head is leveled with your back but not 100% leveled, then hold the position for 30 seconds. Then raise your head quickly all the way while keeping it turned to the affected area to work on it. Do this exercise as much as you need, but always keep in mind this, NO SURPRISE MOVEMENTS.
4) Brandt-Daroff exercise.
Sit on your bed while turning your head away from the affected area by 45 degrees, then lay down carefully on your affected side while maintaining the same head position (your nose should be facing up, and hold for 30 seconds then sit and repeat the same exercise, but this time for the other side. Do this exercise three times a day and each time you do it repeat it three times until your vertigo is gone.
Tips for vertigo control
5) Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is very beneficial for people that have BPPV. When you visit your doctor ask whether or not your vertigo is caused by a lack of vitamin D
6) Ginger.
Before diving any deeper, ginger is known for working against nausea, and it can do good for people that suffer from vertigo. Studies have shown that ginger is actually capable of reducing vertigo symptoms. You can either eat it raw (if you can), or make a ginger tea. To make the tea, steep ginger roots in boiling water then add some honey for a pleasant taste.
7) Gingko biloba.
This herb has always been a research subject, and it showed its capability to increase vital blood flow to the head. Look for a supplement that contains 24% ginkgo heterosides or gingkolisides. Start the treatment with 250 mg every day until you feel that your vertigo is going away, then reduce the dose to either 40 or 60 mg a day to keep vertigo away.
8) Hydrate.
Sometimes little things can cause big problems. Make sure that you drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. It is known that dizziness can be caused by dehydration, that is why you have to make sure that your body is getting enough water to keep it going and to secure yourself from vertigo.
Vertigo can be very unpleasant, and if it gets any worse, then you should look for immediate medical care. And always avoid surprising movements.
