Natural and herbal remedies for the treatment of vertigo.

Vertigo

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo may be described as a sensation of spinning, whirling or moving that occurs when a person’s balance is disturbed – it is a perception that you or your surroundings are moving. It is a symptom and not disease. Vertigo is often associated with dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness and disorientation. If you feel that as though you are moving, it is referred to as subjective vertigo while if your surroundings are moving, it is referred to as objective vertigo. Episodes of vertigo are usually not harmless, but if symptoms persist, consult your health practitioner immediately.

Symptoms may be constant or episodic and occur from minutes to hours and sometimes persisting for weeks or months.

Common symptoms and signs include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensation of motion or disorientation
• Involuntary eye movements
• Sweating

In addition, symptoms such as a ringing sensation in the ears, hearing loss, weakness, difficulty walking and speaking, visual disturbances or decreased level of consciousness.

Diagnosing Vertigo

The diagnosis of vertigo is based on the symptoms, a physical examination and a review of the medical history. Certain tests such as blood tests, CT scan, or electrocardiogram (ECG) may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of vertigo.

Types of Vertigo

• Objective Vertigo
• Subjective Vertigo
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo
• Meniere's disease
• Inner Ear (Vestibular) Problems

What are the Symptoms of Vertigo?

Symptoms may be constant or episodic and occur from minutes to hours and sometimes persisting for weeks or months.
Common symptoms and signs include:

• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears)
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Balance Problems
• Sensation of motion or disorientation
• Visual Disturbances: Involuntary eye movements and double vision
• Weakness of the limbs

In addition, symptoms such as a ringing sensation in the ears, hearing loss, weakness, difficulty walking and speaking, visual disturbances or decreased level of consciousness.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo may be caused by the following conditions and these include:

• Inner Ear Fluid Balance
• Meniere’s disease - Following an attack, a period of extreme fatigue or exhaustion often occurs.
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV occurs as a result of damage caused to the inner ear. It is the most common cause of vertigo and may be accompanied by hearing loss, facial muscle weakness or decreased cognitive function
• Cerebellar hemorrhages which is bleeding to the back of the brain and may be accompanied by vertigo, difficulty walking, headaches and vision impairment
• Acoustic neuroma which is a type of a tumor that causes vertigo and symptoms of hearing loss and one-sided ringing in the ear
• Inflammation or infection of the ear (ear infection)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Head and neck injury or trauma
• Other circumstances that may aggravate vertigo:
  • Menopause
  • Motion Sickness (Flying, Driving, etc.)
  • Altitude Sickness/Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
  • Migraines
  • Massages

Natural Remedies for Vertigo

Treatment of vertigo depends on the cause and severity of attacks. A very common form of treatment is known as vestibular rehabilitation exercises which involve lying down on a table on one side until the vertigo subsides and then switching to the other side until vertigo disappears completely. Medications such as Benadryl or Valium may either be taken orally, with a skin patch or given through an IV. If vertigo is caused as a result of a bacterial infection of the middle ear, antibiotics may be administered. More severe episodes of vertigo may also require surgery.

Massage therapy can also relieve the symptoms of vertigo. Though an overall massage is extremely beneficial, some individuals feel the most relief when massage concentration is on the head. Natural remedies can also provide symptomatic relief of dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo and improves inner ear balance. Herbal remedies containing homeopathic ingredients may be taken at the first sign of symptoms and are safe to use for people of all ages.

Homeopathic ingredients such as Cocculus indicus, Lobelia inflata and Gelsemium have proven to highly effective in relieving the symptoms of dizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, headaches and emotional upsets. Bryonia alba may be beneficial for headaches, and for individuals who perspire where the slightest movement may be disturbing. In addition, flower essences are effectual for those suffering from the symptoms of vertigo, as they are a perfect complement to all other remedies and immediately absorbed into the system.

Natural Remedies for Vertigo during Pregnancy

Pregnant women who suffer from vertigo may find it hard to come up with a good solution for ridding themselves of the symptoms of vertigo. However, there are simple things you can do like, avoid standing for long periods of time ant eat regularly throughout the day to keep blood sugar in check, avoid hot baths. For women in the third trimester, avoid lying on your back and eat foods rich in iron.

Alternatively, homeopathic ingredients are safe and effective for pregnant women. Homeopathic ingredients Tabacum and Cocculus indicus both help to rid the symptoms of vertigo. Before introducing homeopathic remedies into your diet, please consult with your physician.

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