Vertigo is a condition characterized by sudden spells of dizziness, nausea, a sensation of the surroundings spinning out of control, headaches, & vomiting. Vertigo is quite common, & most people experience episodes of vertigo without ever pinning down the exact reason for it. It is almost always a symptom of some underlying disorder that is either diagnosed or undiagnosed.

The most common cause of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, also known as BPPV. It is caused by inner ear issues & some problems with the body’s vestibular system. Although vertigo is rarely fatal or even dangerous, the constant dizzy spells & the imbalance can make a person prone to falling down if they happen to be doing some activity that increases their risk of falling.

Also, it might cause people to feel anxious while driving, exercising, trekking, hiking, etc. due to the constant danger of falling down or losing their balance. All this leads vertigo patients to look for an adequate vertigo treatment plan, one that can help them get rid of their vertigo symptoms. There is good news for vertigo patients, in that there are plenty of vertigo treatment methods available to them, all tailored to their specific symptoms & needs.

In this article, we’ll tell you some of these vertigo treatments that work best for most vertigo patients.

Epley Maneuver

Also known as the Canalith Repositioning exercises, or canalith repositioning maneuver, the Epley Maneuver is a well-known & useful vertigo exercise for vertigo treatment. Keep in mind, however, that the Epley Maneuver only works for patients who have Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, & not any other kind. The Epley Maneuver is usually the first line of treatment given to vertigo patients, as it has been shown to give really good results immediately after performing the exercise. It is also simple, which means a doctor can easily teach you how to do it for yourself at home whenever you have a vertigo attack.

To perform the Epley Maneuver, follow the instructions given below:

• Sit on a flat surface, place a pillow behind you, & stretch your legs outward.
• Turn your head 45 degrees to the right side.
• Quickly recline your head on the pillow with your head still tilted. Maintain this position for at least 30 seconds.
• Now slowly turn your head to the left side, making a full 90-degree angle, without lifting your neck.
• Turn to your left side by engaging your whole body. You should be completely on your left side by now.
• Return slowly to your original starting position, sitting up straight & looking forward.

To get optimal benefits from the Epley Maneuver, repeat the exercises three times in a row, about thrice every day in a week. You might also feel dizzy after the exercises, for which you should wait at least 15 minutes for the dizziness to pass before you get in with the rest of your day. When done correctly, & in conjecture with other vertigo exercises, vertigo medicines, & some home remedies, the Epley Maneuver can give immediate relief to vertigo patients.

Semont-Toupet Maneuver

The Semont-Toupet maneuver is another simple vertigo exercise that you can perform by yourself at home. The Senmont-Toupet maneuver, although less well-known, is said to be almost as effective at vertigo treatment as the Epley Maneuver. It is also somewhat similar to the Epley Maneuver, the only difference being that it requires less neck flexibility.

To perform the Semont-Toupet maneuver, follow the instructions below:

• Sit upright on a flat surface with a pillow behind you. Stretch your legs outward.
• Lie down, turn to your right side, & while keeping your head upward, look to your left side.
• Now sit up quickly & turn to your left side, & keep your head towards the left. Now look down towards the ground.
• Return to your original position slowly, while looking forward & sitting up straight.

Brandt-Daroff exercises

The Brandt-Daroff exercise is the easiest vertigo exercise to do at home by yourself, without the supervision of a trained professional. However, you should only perform the exercises once you’re in a safe place, & are not in danger of falling down, as the vertigo exercise can provoke dizzy spells for some time after performing it.

To perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises, follow the instructions below:

• Sit on a flat surface with your legs dangling, as if from a chair.
• Turn your head towards the left as far as you can, laying your head & torso down on the right side. Keep in mind that your legs shouldn’t be moving. Maintain this position for at least 30 seconds.
• Sit up & turn your head to the original position.
• Repeat the exercises on the opposite side by turning your head towards the right as far as possible, while laying down on your left side.

For ideal results, perform the Brandt-Daroff exercises in a set of 5 repetitions, repeating it as often as thrice a day & twice a week.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is shown to be as effective as any other Dizziness treatment method on this list. its extracts are available in both liquid as well as capsule formats. Although the exact prescription amount differs from individual to individual, taking about 240 mg of Ginkgo Biloba each day should considerably relieve your vertigo symptoms, & help you feel more balanced & coordinated.

Stress management therapies

Stress disrupts the normal functioning of many of the body’s delicate systems, & the vestibular system is no exception. Research has shown that excessive stress can exacerbate vertigo symptoms, & those of many other illnesses as well. Thus stress management should be on top of your to-do list when you’re suffering from Vertigo. Indulge in activities like yoga, meditation, knitting, dancing, gardening, etc. to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life. This will not only help you in getting relief from your vertigo symptoms but will also help you lead a better quality of life, free from stress & anxiety. If there is a need, your doctor may also prescribe you certain anti-anxiety medications & antidepressants to help you cope with the psychological stressors in your life.

Getting good sleep & staying hydrated

A good night’s sleep can be the answer to many problems, including Dizziness symptoms. You should try getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night to help you feel more balanced & coordinated during the day. Right alongside a good night’s sleep comes adequate hydration. Staying hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day is also a great way to keep the dizzy spells & headaches away.

Vitamin D

In some cases, Dizziness symptoms can be exacerbated by a lack of vitamin D in your body. In such a case, your doctor might prescribe you a vitamin D supplement, or ask you to include more foods rich in vitamin D in your diet. These include fortified milk, canned tuna, orange juice, & egg yolks among other foodstuffs. You can also try spending some time out in the sun, although if it’s not possible due to your physical location(or any other condition like Lupus), then including more vitamin D in your diet & taking additional supplements may be the only option for you to help with your vertigo treatment.

Avoiding alcohol

Alcohol not only causes dehydration but also changes the delicate fluid composition in the inner ear.  This can lead to balance problems & issues with coordination. If you are already suffering from Vertigo, alcohol can worsen your symptoms & increase the intensity of your vertigo attacks. Also, some vertigo medicines like the Stemetil tablet, & the Vertin tablet, are not as effective at preventing vertigo symptoms when taken with alcohol. So you’re not only worsening your vertigo attacks but also making your vertigo medicines less effective when you drink alcohol, especially in excessive amounts.