Vertigo Treatment at Home: Simple & Natural Remedies

Vertigo is a distressing condition that can strike without warning, causing a sensation of spinning or dizziness. Those affected may feel as though their surroundings are moving or whirling, even when they are standing still. This disorientation is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and unsteadiness. Vertigo can have a significant impact on daily life, making simple tasks like walking, driving, or working challenging and potentially dangerous. Episodes can last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours, and some individuals may experience chronic dizziness that persists for months or even years. To effectively manage vertigo treatment at home and minimise its impact on quality of life, it is essential to understand the various causes of this condition.

What Causes Vertigo?

There are several common causes of vertigo, including:

• Inner ear problems that affect balance sensors
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), triggered by displaced crystals in the inner ear
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, which involve inflammation of the inner ear nerves
• Meniere’s disease, characterised by fluid buildup and pressure in the ear
• Migraine-associated vertigo
• Head injuries or trauma that impact balance
• Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or stroke
• Cervicogenic dizziness related to neck issues

Understanding the root cause of your vertigo is crucial for determining the most effective vertigo remedies.

10 Remedies to Stop Vertigo

For those seeking relief from this condition, a variety of home remedies for vertigo can be employed to alleviate symptoms effectively. Here are some of the vertigo remedies you can benefit from:

1. Epley Manoeuvre

The Epley manoeuvre is a series of specific head and body movements designed to reposition displaced calcium crystals (otoconia) within the inner ear. When these crystals become dislodged and move into the fluid-filled canals of the inner ear, they can cause sudden and intense episodes of vertigo, a condition known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). By carefully guiding the head through a sequence of positions, the Epley manoeuvre helps to move these crystals back into their proper location in the ear’s utricle, where they no longer trigger vertigo symptoms. This manoeuvre is often performed by doctors but can also be taught for safe self-administration at home.

2. Brandt-Daroff Exercises

The Brandt-Daroff exercises are one of the simple yet effective home remedies for vertigo that help reduce its symptoms. These exercises work by helping the brain adapt to the conflicting signals that cause dizziness, helping to break up loose crystals in the inner ear responsible for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). To perform these exercises, sit on the edge of a bed, turn your head 45 degrees to one side, then quickly lie down on the opposite side. Hold this position for about 30 seconds or until the dizziness subsides, then sit back up. Repeat this sequence on the other side. Performing sets of these exercises multiple times a day over a two-week period can significantly improve balance and reduce vertigo episodes.

3. Hydration and Water Therapy

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for preventing vertigo, particularly when dehydration is an underlying cause. When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to low blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain, both of which can trigger dizziness or vertigo episodes. By drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day, you can help maintain optimal bodily functions and support the health of your inner ear. For individuals who are prone to vertigo, ensuring consistent hydration can help reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms. Water therapy, therefore, serves as a simple yet effective home remedy for managing vertigo.

4. Ginger Tea for Vertigo Relief

Ginger tea is a well-known natural remedy for alleviating the nausea and dizziness associated with vertigo. The compounds found in ginger help to soothe the stomach, reduce inflammation, and ease the queasy feeling that often accompanies vertigo attacks. Drinking a warm cup of ginger tea can also promote better blood circulation and calm the inner ear, which can help to lessen the severity of dizziness. Incorporating ginger tea into your daily routine is one of the effective yet simple home remedies for vertigo.

5. Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can be an effective vertigo treatment at home that helps manage stress-induced symptoms. This technique involves taking slow, deep breaths through the nose, allowing the belly to expand, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, diaphragmatic breathing may help alleviate vertigo symptoms by stabilising blood pressure and improving overall balance. Additionally, it can enhance the function of the vagus nerve, which plays a role in regulating the body’s stress response and is often linked to vertigo. Incorporating regular breathing exercises into your daily routine may provide relief from vertigo triggered by stress.

6. Sleep Position Adjustment

For individuals with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), proper sleep positioning is crucial in managing vertigo episodes. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the fluid-filled canals, causing dizziness and vertigo. To minimise the likelihood of vertigo attacks during sleep, it’s recommended to elevate the head of the bed slightly and avoid lying on the affected side or in positions that worsen symptoms. By keeping the affected ear elevated, you can help prevent the otoconia from shifting into sensitive areas of the inner ear, which can trigger vertigo. Experimenting with different sleep positions and using supportive pillows can be one of the vertigo remedies that can help you find the most comfortable and effective arrangement to manage your symptoms.

7. Vitamin D and Nutritional Supplements

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D and magnesium may help support inner ear health and potentially reduce the severity of vertigo symptoms. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining overall balance and muscle function, which can indirectly benefit those experiencing vertigo. Magnesium, on the other hand, helps regulate nerve function and muscle contraction, which may contribute to reducing the intensity of vertigo episodes. It’s important to consult with a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure proper dosage and avoid potential interactions with existing medications.

8. Acupressure and Acupuncture

Acupressure and acupuncture are ancient practices that involve applying pressure or inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to promote healing and relieve symptoms. These practices aim to restore balance and improve blood flow, which may help alleviate the dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo. Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points, such as the P6 point on the inner wrist, which is believed to help reduce nausea and dizziness. Acupuncture, performed by a trained practitioner, involves inserting thin needles at strategic points to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Both acupressure and acupuncture may promote relaxation and improve overall well-being, which can be beneficial for vertigo treatment at home.

9. Avoiding Triggers

Identifying and avoiding vertigo triggers is essential for reducing the frequency and severity of episodes. Common triggers include sudden head movements, such as turning over in bed or bending forward or backwards; bright or flickering lights; and stress or anxiety. Dietary triggers, like high-sodium foods, alcohol, and caffeine, can also worsen symptoms by disrupting the inner-ear fluid balance or causing dehydration. Managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques can help mitigate vertigo linked to emotional factors. Keeping movements slow and using extra pillows to elevate the head during sleep can also prevent positional vertigo.

10. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological intervention that can help individuals reframe negative thought patterns associated with vertigo-induced anxiety, reducing the fear of dizziness or falling. By addressing catastrophic thinking, such as the belief that one will pass out during an attack, CBT can improve coping strategies for situational triggers like crowded spaces or heights. Studies suggest that combining CBT with vestibular rehabilitation can enhance the quality of life for patients with chronic vertigo, although formal therapy should be medically supervised. While CBT does not treat the physical cause of vertigo, it can improve your quality of life by fostering resilience and reducing vertigo-related anxiety.

Conclusion

Home remedies for vertigo, such as dietary adjustments, stress management, and home exercises like the Epley manoeuvre, can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes. However, it is essential to seek prompt medical evaluation for persistent symptoms, especially when accompanied by nausea, hearing loss, or imbalance, to rule out more serious conditions like stroke, Meniere’s disease, or neurological disorders. While lifestyle changes can complement medical treatments, they should not replace professional care for severe cases of vertigo.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

References

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vertigo/
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001432.htm
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482356/
4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/home-epley-maneuver
5. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-96445-x