Best Treatments For Positional Vertigo You Should Know

Do you feel dizzy? Perhaps, at some point in life, we have all experienced brief periods of vertigo that go away without treatment. If it happened to you, it may be because of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV. It may sound like a strange name to you, but there is nothing to worry about. It is a fairly common form of vestibular vertigo.

It can represent approximately 20-30% of diagnoses related to vertigo. BPPV can occur at any age, however, it is more common in people over 50 years of age. Also, it is more common in women than in men.

This condition is treatable and manageable. And here is how we can manage & treat Positional Vertigo!

Triggers for Positional Vertigo!

Before we know the treatment options, we must know the triggers which can help in prevention of the symptoms. In many people, especially older adults, there is no specific event that triggers BPPV, but there are a few things that can trigger an attack:

Common symptoms of a minor head injury include:

• Mild to severe head injury
• Keeping your head in the same position for a long time, such as in the dentist's chair, at the beauty salon, or during strict bed rest
• Biking on rough trails
• High-intensity aerobics
• Other diseases of the inner ear (ischemic, inflammatory, infectious)

The Best Treatment for Positional Vertigo

The Epley or Canalith:

This repositioning maneuver is a proven strategy that works well for people who suffer from vertigo. Studies have shown that the Epley maneuver is very effective for people with BPPV. The procedure involves the following steps:

• The person should sit upright on a flat surface, with a pillow behind them and their legs stretched out.
• Now turn your head 45 degrees to the right, with your head in a tilted position, rest your head on the pillow, stay in this position for a few seconds.
• Gently turn your head to the left 90 degrees, without lifting your neck for 30 seconds.
• Now turn your head and your whole body to the right side, looking down for 30 seconds.
• Sit down gently, but then stay in the sitting position for a few minutes.
• Remember that if vertigo starts on the right side in the right ear, then these directions should be practiced in reverse.

Effective Remedies for Controlling Vertigo

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a time-tested Chinese herb that helps relieve symptoms associated with vertigo. Evidence has shown that the herb Ginkgo biloba is as potent as the drug betahistine in controlling vertigo.

Almonds

The treasure trove of nutrients found in almonds, such as vitamins A, B, and E, protein, and healthy fatty acids, support brain health and function, thus controlling vertigo symptoms.

Essential oils

These have incredible power to reduce the symptoms of vertigo, such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. The essential oils of peppermint, ginger, lavender, and lemon have healing properties.

When To See a Doctor?

Many people experience vertigo from BPPV, and it's usually not very serious. But you should see a doctor if you experience these symptoms:-

• Recurring episodes
• Severe or prolonged dizziness
• Intense headache
• Fever with dizziness
• Double vision or vision loss
• Hearing loss with Tinnitus
• Trouble speaking
• Weakness in legs or arms
• Loss of consciousness
• Falls or difficulty walking
• Numbness or tingling

Lifestyle Changes

If you experience dizziness associated with BPPV, keep these tips in mind:

• Be aware of the possibility of losing your balance, which can lead to falls and serious injury.
• Avoid movements, such as looking up, that trigger symptom.
• Sit up immediately when you feel dizzy.
• Use good lighting when you wake up at night.
• Walk with a cane for stability if you are at risk of falling.
• Work closely with your doctor to effectively manage your symptoms.

BPPV can recur even after successful therapy. Although there is no cure, the condition can be managed with physical therapy and home treatments.