Is vertigo dangerous? Not many people are aware of what vertigo is; it happens when a person feels as if everything is moving around them. People get the feeling that they are going to lose their balance and fall. Vertigo is not simply a diagnosis, but it is a symptom of an underlying condition. There are several options and vertigo home remedies available to alleviate the symptoms of vertigo.
- What Is Vertigo?
- Common Causes Of Vertigo
- Symptoms Of Vertigo
- Natural Remedies For Vertigo At Home
- When To Consult Doctor
- FAQs
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation where you feel you are losing your balance. There may be dizzy spells that occur when you tilt your head or change position. Vertigo may trigger you to experience swaying, pulled to one direction, spinning, and unbalanced feeling. It can occur due to disease affecting the vestibular nerve, inner ear, or giddiness. It is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Vertigo can be dangerous when it is caused by the brain rather than inner ear issues and may end up with symptoms like double vision, weakness, slurred speech, numbness of the face, falls, or clumsiness. Today there are several home medicine for vertigo that you can take safely for relief and treatment.
Common Causes of Vertigo
1. Labyrinthitis causing vertigo:
It is an inner ear infection that commonly occurs due to cold. It causes a feeling as if being dizzy, causing vertigo.
2. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
BPPV is a sudden sensation that you are spinning when you move your head up. It can cause memory problems. People experience tiredness during this vertigo attack.
3. Meniere’s Disease Causing Vertigo:
This is an inner-ear condition, which can cause vertigo. It can also lead to tinnitus, hearing loss, or pressure in your ear.
4. Vestibular Neuritis:
Vestibular neuritis causes vertigo and dizziness. It results from inflammation of your vestibular nerve. Pressure from a tumour on the vestibular nerve can cause vertigo.
5. Head injury causing vertigo/Brain injury causing vertigo:
If one’s vestibular system is damaged from either head injury or brain injury, then one may have problems with balance and dizziness.
6. Medications causing vertigo:
Some medicines are known to cause vertigo. They are Ototoxic and when a person is taking these, experiences vertigo. Then dose reduction or discontinuation is necessary to prevent irreversible hearing loss.
7. Vitamin D deficiency and vertigo:
A study published in 2020 revealed that vitamin D deficiency helped reduce the recurrence rate of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). (1)
8. Neck injury-causing vertigo:
Cervical vertigo often results from a head injury that disrupts head and neck alignment, or whiplash.
9. Migraine headaches:
This occurs for most migraineurs and now referred to as vestibular migraine. It is also called as migraine associated with vertigo.
See Also: Home Remedies To Relieve For Migraine Headache
Symptoms of Vertigo
The duration of vertigo symptoms can last from minutes to hours, and the symptoms can be constant or episodic. The onset may be triggered by movement or change in position, and in case of injuries like head trauma or whiplash injury, it is better to consult a doctor.
The following are the vertigo signs and symptoms,
- Headache.
- Sweating.
- Abnormal or jerking eye movements (nystagmus).
- Ringing sound in the ears or hearing loss, which is otherwise called tinnitus.
- Balance problems.
- Lightheadedness.
- Motion sickness.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ear pain and vertigo at times go hand in hand with a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear.
- Dizziness.
- Swaying.
- Tilting.
- Unbalanced.
- Pulled to one direction.
- Blurry vision.
Natural Remedies for Vertigo at Home
Let us look at some of the methods to relieve vertigo naturally.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey for Vertigo
Both apple cider vinegar and honey have curative properties to relieve blood flow going to the brain. Two parts, honey with one part apple cider vinegar can treat and prevent vertigo symptoms. This is an instant vertigo treatment at home that can be prepared easily.
Required Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of honey.
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Cold water.
How to Prepare:
- Add the honey and apple cider vinegar to a glass of cold water and mix well.
How To Use:
- Drink this twice a day for best results.
How is it Helpful:
- Honey has a high content of natural sugar, which improves energy and eliminates low blood sugar.
Tips and Precautions:
- Excessive use of ACV can weaken tooth enamel, cause nausea, and acid reflux.
2. Essential Oils for Vertigo
Essential oils are affordable and natural options among home remedies to stop vertigo for managing symptoms of vertigo, including nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Some of the options available are available for managing vertigo are peppermint, lavender, and lemon essential oils. The infuser is used to inhale essential oils. Another way would be to dilute it and applied topically with a carrier oil. One may have to experiment with a variety of oils and find the best one to treat the vertigo symptoms.
Required Ingredients:
- The essential oil of your choice (Peppermint, Lavender, Frankincense).
- Diffuser.
How to Prepare:
- Place the diffuser in the middle of the room.
- Lift the top off of the diffuser.
- Fill diffuser with room temperature water.
How To Use:
- Add 3 to 10 drops of essential oils to the diffuser.
- Replace the top of the diffuser and switch it on.
How is it Helpful:
- They relieve the symptoms associated with vertigo.
Tips and Precautions:
- Ensure that you use a diffuser in a well-ventilated area. Wash hands after using essential oils.
3. Epley Maneuver for Vertigo
The Epley maneuver is a type of exercise designed to place the head at an angle where gravity can help relieve symptoms of vertigo quickly. Medical professionals use this repositioning maneuver to treat one common cause of vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. As a home remedy for vertigo, you can do some simple and easy maneuver exercises at home.
How to Do:
- Sit on a bed, with your legs flat on the bed in front of you.
- Lie down keeping the head turned to the left.
- Turn head to the right 90 degrees, until it faces 45 degrees to the right side.
- Roll over to the right side before sitting up.
How is it Helpful:
- The crystals are moved out of the semicircular canals of the ear by tilting the head. This relieves nausea and dizziness.
Tips and Precautions:
- After doing this, do not drive as you may be temporarily dizzy. Avoid lying flat 48 hours after the procedure. Use pillows to elevate head while sleeping.
See Also: Home Remedies For Ear Pain
4. Ginger:
Ginger is said to help in nausea, dizziness, and vertigo symptoms. It helps alleviate these symptoms and is equally as effective as some anti-nausea medicines. Ginger tea is the best home remedy for vertigo to obtain fast relief.
Required Ingredients:
- Ginger.
- Honey.
How to Prepare:
- Steep ginger root in a saucepan of boiling water.
- Leave it for 5 minutes.
- Honey can help with the taste of ginger.
How To Use:
- Drink ginger tea twice a day to help you with vertigo symptoms.
How is it Helpful:
The ginger root has a number of chemicals. Among these, gingerols and shogaols are important to help nausea and dizziness.
5. Gingko Biloba:
Ginkgo Biloba is known for its effects on vertigo and found to be effective. The extract can be bought in liquid or capsule form. Taking this daily should help lessen vertigo symptoms and make one feel more balanced. Ginkgo biloba helps in the improvement of blood flow in the brain that helps in reducing the symptoms of vertigo efficiently. (2)
Required Ingredients:
- Dried Ginkgo Biloba leaves.
- Water.
How to Prepare:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Remove from heat.
- Add ginkgo biloba leaves.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
How To Use:
- Studies have shown that adults have used between 120-240 milligrams a day in divided doses. It may take 4 to 6 weeks before results are seen.
How is it Helpful:
- Ginkgo Biloba contains powerful antioxidants.
- Ginkgo biloba extract is collected from the dried green leaves and is available as capsules, liquid extract, and tablets.
Tips and Precautions:
- Do not use Ginkgo biloba during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It is said to make bleeding disorders worse and interfere with diabetes management.
6. Have Water:
It is believed that when we get dehydrated, this also could result in vertigo. We must ensure that we stay hydrated at all times. One must drink water at regular intervals. Regular and sufficient intake of water is good for overall health.
Required Ingredients:
- Water.
- Slice of Lime.
How to Prepare:
- Add a slice of lime to water just to make it taste good and motivate you to drink instead of just plain water.
How To Use:
- Drink whenever you feel dehydrated, before or after a workout.
How is it Helpful:
- Staying hydrated minimizes balance issues and dizziness.
Tips and Precautions:
- Vegetable juices and coconut water are also healthy options to keep dehydration at bay.
7. Coriander Seeds:
Coriander seeds are a useful remedy for vertigo at home. Take as a handful of coriander seeds is a very helpful way to keep vertigo under proper control.
Required Ingredients:
- Coriander seeds.
- Amla.
- Honey (optional).
How to Prepare:
- Drink a glass of water in which coriander seeds and amla powder have been soaked overnight.
How is it Helpful:
- Drinking this every morning on an empty stomach will eventually reduce the symptoms of vertigo.
Tips and Precautions:
- Some people can be allergic to coriander seeds, and it may lower blood pressure.
8. Diet for Vertigo:
What we eat directly influences our health. We must make healthy food choices where we consume food that is beneficial to keep vertigo away.
Along with adding a lot of proteins and vitamins, also try to include a lemon peel. The best food for vertigo would be almonds, coriander seeds, Cayenne pepper, lemongrass, garlic, orange juice, strawberries, etc.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cayenne.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Pinch of salt.
- Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
- Raw honey.
How to Prepare:
- In a bowl, take one teaspoon of cayenne and half a teaspoon of black pepper.
- To this, add a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon each of unpasteurised apple cider vinegar and raw honey.
How To Use:
- Consume this mixture twice or thrice a day; this will ease blood flow to the brain.
How is it Helpful:
- Cayenne contains capsaicin, and this helps to improve blood flow towards the inner ear and brain and reduces symptoms of vertigo.
Tips and Precautions:
- One should try to stay away from excessive salt intake, caffeine, chocolate, yogurt, as well as fried foods.
9. Almonds:
Almonds are one of the best nuts to consume, and they are rich sources of vitamins A, B, and E. They can be eaten either crushed, grated, or may even be mixed with food. This has been found to be beneficial and provides natural relief for vertigo.
Required Ingredients:
- Almonds.
- Milk.
How to Prepare:
- Soak a handful of almonds overnight in some water.
- In the morning, grind them all to a paste and add them to a glass of warm milk.
How To Use:
- Drinking this every morning on an empty stomach will eventually reduce and alleviate the symptoms of vertigo.
How is it Helpful:
- Almonds are rich in vitamins E and B and help one to feel energetic and healthy.
Tips and Precautions:
- Almonds generally do not have any side effects, but if taken in excess may cause gastric issues or an upset stomach.
See Also: Almond Benefits For Health
10. Juices for Vertigo
Juices made with fresh fruits are helpful for symptoms of vertigo as they contain essential nutrients and water that our body needs.
Required Ingredients:
- Fruits juices made with fruits like pineapple/apple/orange and even juices made with carrots.
How to Prepare:
- Appropriate fruits or vegetables can be cut and run through a blender.
- They can then be strained before consuming.
11. Black Pepper and Salt With Lemon Juice:
Black pepper and salt with lemon juice is an easy remedy that can be made at home for vertigo. This drink is not only simple to make but is effective in treating alleviating symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.
Required Ingredients:
- Fresh lemon juice – 1 tablespoon.
- Pinch of ground pepper.
- Salt.
How to Prepare:
- Take a cup of water in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to it with a pinch of ground black pepper.
- Add a little salt and your drink is ready.
How To Use:
- Drink this 3 times daily until your dizziness improves.
How is it Helpful:
- This is helpful in treating dizziness and vertigo symptoms.
12. Proper Sleep Positions:
The position in which we sleep is very important, so is the way we turn or tilt our head. Elevation of the head plays a vital role so as not to trigger vertigo. All this is very important while getting up or down from the bed. It is said that a person who is suffering from vertigo keeps sufficient wedge or supporting pillows so as not to make any sudden movements that could trigger a vertigo episode.
When to Consult Doctor
Get emergency medical help if you experience vertigo with any of the following:
- Sudden severe headache.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Fainting.
- Vertigo numbness or paralysis of arms or legs.
- Double vision.
- Slurred speech and confusion.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Seizures.
- Stumbling or difficulty walking.
- Ongoing severe vertigo and vomiting.
- Sudden change in hearing.
- Facial numbness or weakness.
Vertigo is a condition that can affect one’s activities of daily living. (3) Vertigo can make things very uncomfortable, as one tends to feel that everything is spinning and moving around them. It stems from an imbalance in fluid in one’s inner ear. Vertigo can sometimes even occur in a child and can cause anxiety. It is essential and vital that one identifies what type of vertigo one has by visiting a medical professional. This will help in treating the condition by making lifestyle changes, easy home remedies as well as ear exercises for vertigo. There are herbal and holistic treatments available for vertigo, which can help provide quick relief.
Disclaimer: The content displayed in this article is for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a means to substitute professional advice. Its aim is to create awareness. The information has been verified to the best of our ability. Ensure that you visit a doctor before commencing treatment.
FAQs:
1. What is Cholesteatoma, and Does Ear Pressure Cause Vertigo?
Cholesteatoma is a noncancerous skin growth that develops in the middle ear. It is usually an infection that keeps recurring. As the growth progresses behind the eardrum, it can damage the middle ear’s bony structures and lead to hearing loss, vertigo symptoms and dizziness. It can be caused by repeated, chronic ear infections. Air pressure differences between middle ear cavities are mostly experienced during diving or flying. This can cause alternobaric vertigo. (4)
2. What is the Brandt-Daroff Exercise?
One can get rid of vertigo naturally with this exercise is mostly recommended for people with vertigo and is to be done at home as it can be done unsupervised. This should be performed when you are in a safe place and avoid driving for sometime after performing this exercise. This is because it can provoke increased dizziness for a short period.
Brandt-Daroff exercise can be done by sitting on a flat surface with legs dangling. Turn the head as far as one can to the left, then lay your head and torso down on the right side. Your legs should not move. Stay in this position for 30 seconds.Sit up and turn head back to the centre position. Repeat this by turning the head as far as you can to the right side, then lying down on the left side. This exercise can be done 3 times a day in a set of 5 repetitions. (5)
3. Can Neck Injuries Cause Vertigo?
Neck and head injuries may cause vertigo. These injuries tend to damage the inner ear and may lead to vertigo. This is often referred to as “post-traumatic vertigo.” People with head injuries experience symptoms like dizziness, hearing changes, headaches, pain, balance problems, and mental disturbances. If the vestibular system is damaged from a head injury, then one may have problems with dizziness and balance.
