Vertigocan be treated with a wide range of options.
The same treatment doesn’t work for everyone.
The key in of treatment you need depends on the cause of your problem.
pedro arquero / Getty Images
In some cases, the issue resolves on its own.
Some of the most common treatments include lifestyle changes, prescriptions, and certain therapy methods.
They may be used to correct the issue or reduce symptoms.
They can also address a bigger health issue that is making you feel vertigo symptoms.
This article describes the diverse ways to treat vertigo.
These treatments include home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) options, prescription drugs, and surgery.
It also explains complementary and alternative treatments.
It is a form of vertigo thought to be triggered by a buildup of calcium deposits in theinner ear.
BPPV symptoms are usually activated by certain changes in your head’s position.
The procedure can be performed by a healthcare provider or on your own at home.
The particles move to a tiny bag-like open area that houses one of the other structures in your ear.
Once there, these particles will likely dissolve or be reabsorbed by bodily fluids in your ear.
They also involve reducing or eliminating other substances known to harm your inner ear.
However, it can be hard to cope with the prospect of waiting it out.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies
Acute vertigo can be treated with some types of over-the-counter medication.
They typically are used for short-term purposes.
Antihistaminesare drugs used to treatallergiesby blocking a chemical known ashistamine.
Oral administration is used for mild symptoms.
They also help reduce related motion sickness and motion sensitivity.
They work by reducing the intensity of the vestibular system in the inner ear, which controls balance.
Vertigo can occur when the vestibular system is damaged.
Vestibular suppressants used to treat vertigo include antiemetics, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines.
Antiemetics
Antiemetics are drugs commonly used to relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
However, they also act as vestibular suppressants in small doses and can effectively treat motion sickness.
They can also help reduce the feelings of panic and anxiety that can occur with vertigo.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics include drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter used in muscular contractions.
It is also involved in regulating certain biological functions, including digestion and urination.
The most effective anticholinergic for vertigo is Transderm Scop (scopolamine), delivered via a transdermal patch.
Diuretics
Diuretics, or water pills, help your body remove extra water and salt.
They can help treat vertigo resulting from too much fluid in your inner ear.
Diuretics are commonly used as maintenance medications for vertigo.
Specialist-Driven Procedures
These procedures correct or destroy certain mechanical problems that contribute to vertigo.
This bang out of therapy uses certain head, body, and eye exercises.
The movements used in vestibular rehabilitation therapy retrain your brain to recognize and process signals from yourvestibular system.
It involves injecting the antibiotic gentamicin into themiddle ear.
Gentamicin is toxic to the inner ear’s cells.
This technique is used to treat BPPV.
It involves moving your head firmly into different positions.
Surgeries
Surgery is used as a last resort to treat vertigo.
There are few times when surgery is appropriate.
It is often reserved to treat severe and debilitating cases of vertigo.
The punch in of surgery used depends on your diagnosis and the underlying cause of your vertigo.
Surgery can be done to correct inner ear function.
It can also stop the production or transmission of sensory information from the inner ear to the brain.
These therapies include the following.
Acupressure
Acupressureis a jot down of massage based on thetraditional Chinese medicinepractice ofacupuncture.
Acupressure involves putting pressure on certain locations, called acupoints, on your body.
Putting pressure on acupoints can improve your blood flow and help your muscles relax.
The procedure can be done at home if you learn the right acupoints.
Acupressure on the acupoint P-6, called Neiguan, can help relieve nausea and prevent vomiting.
It is found on your inner arm near your wrist.
An acupuncturist can perform the technique or teach you the right way to do it yourself.
Vertigo symptoms caused byvestibular migraineand conditions related to brain injury usually require comanagement with a healthcare provider.
Chiropractorswith certification in vestibular rehabilitation may be best suited to help patients with vestibular disorders.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a martial art defined by graceful flowing movements and postures.
This gentle, low-impact activity helps improve balance and creates a more stable stance.
Tai chi has proven to promote a greater awareness of your body and movement.
Summary
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for vertigo.
The best treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms.
Getting an accurate diagnosis can help you find the right treatment.
Treatment for vertigo can correct a problem, reduce symptoms, or address a bigger health concern.
Many cases of vertigo improve with treatments that have few side effects.
Changing your diet, increasing water intake, and certain movement programs can help relieve dizziness.
A wide range of drugs can also work.
When these treatments don’t improve symptoms, surgery may be an option.
Generally, vertigo lasts between one and three months.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Ginger.
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Canalith repositioning procedure (for BPPV).
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Dietary considerations.
Cedars-Sinai.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Kim SK, Kim JH, Jeon SS, Hong SM.Relationship between sleep quality and dizziness.PLoS One.
2018;13(3):e0192705.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0192705
Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.Dizziness related to anxiety and stress.
Harvard Health Publishing.Spinning out of control: vertigo.
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Medication.
Muncie HL, Sirmans SM, James E.Dizziness: approach to evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician.
2017;95(3):154-162.
Mount Sinai.Diagnosis and treatment for meniere’s disease.
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).
Vestibular Disorders Assciation (VeDA).Surgical procedures for vestibular dysfunction.
University of Michigan Health.Epley and Semont maneuvers for vertigo.
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Tai chi for balance.
