Vertigo Basics
Let’s first begin with the question: what is vertigo? Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 movie “Vertigo” is the first thing that comes to mind for many of us. It’s a film about a private investigator with acrophobia, a pathological fear of heights.
Patients will feel a “dizzying sensation” when the condition effects them. It can also feel like “tilting within stable surroundings” according to Dictionary.com. Vertigo causes vary greatly from person to person. They range from problems with the inner ear to food allergies.
Different Types and Vertigo Causes
We will start with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This condition happens because of an abrupt shift in head position. Tiny crystalline structures break off in the inner ear touching reactive nerve endings.
The next possible cause of is acute labyrinthitis, also called vestibular neuritis. It’s an inflammation of the balance apparatus of the inner ear, caused by a viral infection.
Ménière’s disease, is another possible cause of vertigo. This condition may cause “repeated episodes of dizziness”. It will also cause with ringing in the ear and progressive low-frequency hearing loss.
Ménière’s disease happens when a change in the volume of fluid inside the inner ear occurs. The reason for this change is unknown but scientists suspect a few causes. The cause could be loud noise or viral infections. According to Drugs.com “biologic factors inside the ear itself” may cause it as well.
Allergies and Vertigo
Allergy induced vertigo is another category of physical disturbance that causes vertigo or dizziness. Allergens are particles present in the air we breathe and in our food can effect vertigo symptoms.
Dust, pet dander and pollen tends to trigger the body’s immune response. Histamine release can occur producing symptoms we associate with allergies. Most common are watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing but also vertigo symptoms.
The disturbed functioning of the Eustachian tube produces a sense of vertigo. It’s primary function of equalizing pressure between the inner ear and outside air. It’s what helps us feel balanced.
A change in air pressure can our sense of equilibrium and produce vertigo symptoms.
Often we can attribute our vertigo to Mucus can clog this tube in the middle ear, causing dizziness. The terms vertigo and light headed do not mean the same thing. If you are light headed you may feel that you are losing consciousness or feeling faint.
Treatments
After diagnosis, how is vertigo treated? There many treatments for vertigo that can help. Traditional medicine or natural treatments are popular and effective. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises are a great form of treatment. The patient must lie down on a table on one side. They must wait for the vertigo to fade, then flip onto the other side. This process repeats until the vertigo disappears completely.
Doctors prescribe medications like Valium for IV, skin patch or in pill form. Sometimes, middle ear bacterial infection is the cause of vertigo. In that case, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. Surgery is also an option but only in the worst cases.
Over the Counter treatments may help as well. They promise relief from a range of symptoms, including dizziness. Many OTC remedies carry the risk of liver damage and unknowing abuse by users. Herbal remedies are much more safe and gentle on the body.
Often home remedies have as a good a chance as OTC options at providing some measure of relief. Massage therapy focused on the head and neck area seems to ease the symptoms of vertigo as well. Symptom relief can come from gentler sources like diet and exercise adjustments. These methods are better for the body.
They are also better than relying on products made by pharmaceutical companies. For example, here are some nutritional guidelines that may some value in reducing vertigo.
Lifestyle and Natural Options
Lowering your sodium intake, avoiding caffeinated beverages and eating more protein will help. Eat more protein, more fruits and vegetables. Strawberry yogurt with almonds and milk is a yummy treat that some claim can help. According to some, it’s shown a more than anecdotal effectiveness in relieving vertigo symptoms.
Remember to eat fruit first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Stop consuming alcoholic beverages. These are great guidelines for any healthy lifestyle. Most noteworthy, they should also prove helpful in reducing vertigo.
There are some other considerations by way of supplements. Ginger root can reduce nausea, a symptom of vertigo. What makes ginger unique is that it works fast. A few slices ingested and the vertigo fades away. So, be sure to consider ginger as a fast, reliable remedy for vertigo.
Another great option is ginkgo biloba. This Chinese herb has a long history of ameliorating the symptoms of vertigo. Its action on the body is to stimulate blood flow within the arteries and brain.
It is effective in countering the effects of narrowing or hardening arteries. Most noteworthy for vertigo sufferers, it has been shown to dissipate vertigo symptoms. Vertigo is a spinning feeling that doesn’t stop even if you lie down. Vertigo can be disturbing but there are natural ways that you can help fight symptoms.
