People are always asking me to talk about VERTIGO. One of my clients said he was having ongoing Vertigo, and asked if I knew what he could do about it, as the doctors didn’t seem to know what was causing it, or at least they did not tell him when he asked. What follows is the results of my research, which any of you can do on your own if you want more information than what you will read here.
Vertigo is a symptom of something else happening in your body. It is not the cause of something else. There are different types of Vertigo. Inner ear problems are the cause of the most common type called BPPV – benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which means tiny calcium particles clump up in the canals of the inner ear. Next, is Meniere’s vertigo – and inner ear disorder thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid changing the pressure in the ear. You will have episodes of ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss. Other Vertigo incidences can be caused by or related to infection (viral), which causes inflammation in the inner ear around nerves that help the balance of the body. Vertigo can also be associated with head/neck injuries, brain problems, e.g. stroke or tumor. Vertigo can be the result of medications taken that cause ear damage. Migraine headaches and just plain headaches may also result in Vertigo. (Information source – Mayo Clinic).
I was surprised to find another source that indicated Vertigo can be the result of ‘snoring’. Bad posture can also cause Vertigo attacks.
What can you do? What are the symptoms associated with Vertigo. The symptoms can vary, however, many of the symptoms may be the same. Most of the symptoms include: light-headed feeling, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness from spinning, to severe dizziness, loss of balance, sensitivity to light, motion and sound.
Vertigo can be unpredictable, and incapacitating. Most folks report the most difficult part is not being where it is safe when an episode occurs. They claim to be exhausted, and feel the need to sleep. Attacks can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours or days, or weeks. My client’s Vertigo has lasted for months, and I know people who have had to deal with it for years before they were able to get it under control. Vertigo is hard to diagnose. Doctors may put you through numerous tests, and give you medications to treat the symptoms. However, these medicines are nearly as limiting as the disease because of the side effects e.g. drowsiness and/or balance issues. Some doctors may go even as far as suggesting surgery, where the nerve of the inner ear is cut. THAT WOULD BE A NO, NO!
This being said, there are other ways of addressing the Vertigo Issue. You must determine the cause (real issue) and treat it, and not just the symptoms. You may want to contact an herbalist for suggestions as to what herbs you can take to treat the issue naturally. Some herbs that seem to work include: Astragalus, which boosts metabolism and improves energy levels; Pueraria and Vitics Fructus, known for relieving headaches and dizziness, relieving tinnitus, and improving microcirculation in the inner ear; Cimicifuge, Common Peony Root and Licorice – helps relax tenses neck and shoulder muscles, calms nerves, alleviates pain; Phellodendron – helps to remove excessive fluid in the inner ear; Chinese Angelica Root to tone the blood and invigorate blood circulation; Codonopsis Root – to fight stress and fatigue. You can google a product called Inner-Ear Balance which has all of these ingredients.
Last but not least – Exercises for Vertigo Relief. The ‘WebMD’ recommends 3 remedies for Vertigo, namely the Epley Maneuver, the Semont Maneuver, and the Half-Somersault or Foster Maneuver. Click on the video’s which lets you see how to do the maneuvers, rather than me just telling you.
As I said earlier, the most common type of Vertigo is BPPV – where small crystals of calcium get loose in you inner ear. You feel off balance and may be a little dizzy when you get out of bed. This is the type my client was finally diagnosed to have. It is common in people over the age of 60, but it is also the easiest type of vertigo to treat. Be sure to see your doctor first. Your doctor or a therapist can show you how to do these moves. Children can also be prone to Vertigo attacks.
As you saw in the videos these maneuvers will help to relieve vertigo. The Semont Maneuver is treated similarly. Google Semont Maneuver and the ‘Healthline’ site will come up and give you instructions for this maneuver.
AGAIN – Get a diagnosis from the doctor and work with a therapist to learn these maneuvers – then you can do them at home. My client has been doing these exercises and with success. His Vertigo is slowly subsiding.
FOLLOW UP – for the rest of the day after doing any of these exercises, try not to tilt your head too far up or down. Listen to the doctor/therapist and do not hesitate to ask questions if you do not understand something. If the exercises are not working you might not be doing them correctly – OR – something else might be the cause of your Vertigo/dizziness.
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR DAY!
FYI-HEALTH TALK 