Natural treatments for vertigo
Natural treatments for vertigo encompass various approaches aimed at alleviating the sensation of spinning and associated symptoms such as nausea and balance issues. Vertigo, while often linked to conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and Meniere's disease, can stem from several factors including inner ear infections and head injuries. Among the proposed natural remedies, Ginkgo biloba has shown promise in clinical studies, potentially reducing vertigo symptoms significantly. Similarly, ginger may help mitigate nausea related to vertigo, though evidence for other treatments like oxerutins and vitamin B6 remains preliminary.
Lifestyle modifications, including hydration, dietary adjustments, and stress management, are suggested to improve symptoms. Specific exercises, such as the Epley maneuver and Brandt-Daroff exercises, can also empower individuals to manage their condition effectively. Additional therapies like yoga, tai chi, and vestibular rehabilitation may provide further relief. While some explore hypnosis and chiropractic care, the efficacy of these methods varies, and they may be considered controversial. Overall, individuals seeking alternatives to conventional medication for vertigo may find these natural treatments worth exploring, keeping in mind the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals.
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Subject Terms
Natural treatments for vertigo
DEFINITION: Treatment of dizziness accompanied by the sense of movement.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Ginger, ginkgo, hypnosis, oxerutins, lifestyle and dietary changes, Epley maneuver, Brandt-Daroff exercises, vitamin B6
Introduction
Vertigo is closely related to dizziness but involves the perception of seeing a room spin. The experience is similar to when one spins around rapidly and then stops. Often, vertigo is accompanied by nausea and a loss of balance. Vertigo may pass quickly or last for hours or even days.
There are many possible causes of vertigo, including motion sickness, infection in the inner ear, vision problems, head injury, insufficient blood supply to the brain, and brain tumors. A condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo leads to attacks of vertigo triggered by certain head positions; its cause is believed to be deposits of calcium in the inner ear. Another condition, Meniere’s disease, is characterized by sudden, intense attacks of vertigo, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, ringing in the ears, and progressive deafness. Its cause is unknown.
Conventional treatments for vertigo depend upon the cause and severity of the condition. Drugs for motion sickness and mild vertigo of any cause include meclizine, dimenhydrinate, and perphenazine. Scopolamine is prescribed for severe motion sickness. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is often treated through a series of exercises that help to alleviate symptoms. For Meniere’s disease, changes in diet are often recommended (including limiting sodium, sugar, and alcohol intake), sometimes with diuretic drugs.
Proposed Natural Treatments
Several natural treatments have been explored for vertigo. While the scientific evidence for these treatments was still in its early stages, a promising double-blind, placebo-controlled study of sixty-seven people with vertigo found that 160 milligrams (mg) of Ginkgo biloba extract per day significantly reduced symptoms compared with placebo. At the end of the three-month study, 47 percent of the ginkgo group had completely recovered, compared to only 18 percent of the placebo group. A 2012 study showed promise for ginger in reducing the severity and duration of nausea related to vertigo.
The supplements oxerutins and vitamin B6 are sometimes recommended for vertigo; however, the evidence supporting these treatments is extremely preliminary. Hypnosis has been tried for vertigo resulting from head trauma, with some apparent success. Body manipulation exercises using the Epley or Semont-Toupet maneuvers have shown significant potential in treating vertigo, along with yoga and tai chi. This empowers patients to take control of their condition.
Several additional proposed natural treatments for vertigo exist. Lifestyle and dietary changes may significantly benefit the condition. These include staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, prioritizing sleep, maintaining good posture, and managing stress. Brandt-Daroff exercises are a specific set of exercises meant to help patients manage vertigo. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a specialized physical therapy that can reduce vertigo symptoms. Although controversial, some recommend chiropractic care.
Bibliography
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