According to research, 40% of people over age 40 will experience vertigo at least once in their life. This data is a confirmation that more work is needed on how to stop vertigo.
Vertigo occurs when some parts of the ear cannot communicate to the brain. The cause: injuries, ear infections, aging, inflammation, or a blow to the head. However, those working on how to stop vertigo have some remedies. Vertigo medications help in easing the vomiting and nausea while some reduce dizziness. In most cases, physicians identify the condition behind vertigo and advise on treatment. As medicine grapples with how to stop vertigo, some methods have proven successful.
Reduce Stress
Both stress and inflammation increase the risks for vertigo. Stress will increase the probability of an ear infection. It will also increase the likelihood of other vestibular system problems.
A stressed person will likely not engage in exercising. That same person will also lack enough sleep. These are important issues when one is prone to vertigo.
Meditation, use of essential oils, exercising, and spending more time outdoors, are better solutions. Any other natural stress reliever should also be welcomed.
Receive Diagnosis
Let your doctor determine what is causing your vertigo. As a patient, do not try to treat yourself. Only a professional should diagnose you.
While working on how to stop vertigo, keep in mind that vertigo is not the only reason you might be feeling dizzy. Vertigo is often related to Ménière’s disease and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). But it can result from several other factors. They include stroke, brain tumors, migraine, head injuries, or complications from drinking alcohol.
Head Maneuvers
Some head exercises and adjustments can move calcium deposits to their desired location. These maneuvers clear the canals. They have a higher cure rate for patients suffering from BBPV.
How are they helpful on how to stop vertigo?
When you move your head in certain directions, the canaliths relocate. They move to their correct location and stop causing dizziness. The exercises can be undertaken in a doctor’s office, and one of the most common ones is Epley maneuver.
Epley maneuver
The Epley maneuver has been touted as an effective treatment for BPPV. But it has to be performed in the right manner. It involves head movements that reposition canaliths or loose crystals in the inner ear.
This exercise should only be implemented if you are sure you have BPPV.
If your vertigo is from the left ear and side:
- Tilt your head 45 degrees to the left and place a pillow under you. The pillow should rest between your shoulders, and you should start when seated on the edge of a bed
- Lie down facing up while maintaining the same head position. With the pillow under your shoulders, wait for around 30 seconds to end any vertigo
- Tilt your head at 90 degrees to the right. Once done, wait for another 30 seconds and make sure you do not raise your head
- Tilt your body and head until you are looking at the floor. Wait for 30 seconds then sit up
If your vertigo is from your right ear, you only need to reverse the instructions. Just make sure you perform these movements three times before bedtime, each night. You need to continue until you manage 24 hours without feeling dizzy.
The other maneuvers are semont maneuver and half somersault maneuver.
Get Plenty of Rest
Getting 7-8 hours’ sleep every night should be a priority. When you have enough rest, you will be feeling energized. You can also take part in regular exercising.
Exercising will help in lowering your blood pressure and will reduce stress.
Regulate Body Fluids
Controlling your body fluid retention will relieve the symptoms. It will also lessen the frequency of vertigo.
Not sure how to stop vertigo by regulating body fluids? Here is how:
- Consider taking betahistine hydrochloride. It raises blood flow around the inner ear and reduces the impact of vertigo attacks
- Control salt consumption. Also, control intake of foods having Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- You can take diuretic drugs that reduce fluid retention
Position Head When Sleeping
BPPV is the common type of vertigo. It occurs when calcium carbonate crystals float from one part of the ear to another. This results in interference with the equilibrium and causes dizziness.
This results when you move your head in various positions while sleeping. Keeping your head elevated when taking a nap will prevent this. Instead of sleeping on your side or stomach, sleep on your back and prop your head up using a pillow.
To reduce dizziness, get up in a slow manner and sit on the bed for a short while before getting up. Doing so will get you accustomed to the new position.
Physical Therapy
The recommended physical therapy is vestibular rehabilitation. It produces the best results for patients who experience vertigo frequently. The vestibular system handles sending of information to the brain.
Therapy can help vestibular system organs to coordinate and retain a sense of balance. Vestibular rehabilitation can help in repairing problems of the inner ear. In addition, it can increase flexibility, movement, and strength. And It can achieve all this while preventing fatigue.
A rehabilitation program may include different exercises. Some for improving balance, building better coordination and improving fitness. Other exercises can work to strengthen joints and body muscles.
Hydration and Healthy Meals
A nutrient-rich diet can go a long way in limiting inflammation and preventing dehydration.
Go for foods that can help manage blood pressure levels and can keep you hydrated at all times. These foods include healthy sources of fat, fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy protein.
Some of the notable diet changes that you should also consider include:
- Increasing iron intake
- Avoid skipping meals
- Eating bananas as a way of preventing motion sickness
- Restrict consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates. For example, sugar, soft drinks, milk, fast food, and some cereals)
- Consume more ginger
- Divide your meals so you can have enough time for digestion. This will also help you retain the required energy
Drinking enough water each day is also crucial. This is because even mild dehydration can cause dizziness and changes in blood pressure.
Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid sudden movement – forcing your head to move can cause vertigo. This can get worse if you are prone to the condition. Avoid activities that need your head to move fast. These include activities like roller coasting and high-impact sports
- Stop smoking – tobacco reduces the efficiency of vertigo medications. The better way to reduce vertigo is to cut back on tobacco smoking
- Avoid extending your neck – avoid stretching your neck upward
- In determining how to stop vertigo, be aware of your body movements. Avoid lowering your head beneath your shoulders. If you need to pick up an item, do not bend at the waist, lower yourself down by bending your knees.
