The Best Vertigo Treatments in 2019

If you have vertigo, or know someone that does, you know how debilitating it can be.  Getting through even a few moments is tough, but going through a vertigo spell for months can be something you don't wish on your worst enemy.  

In this article you'll learn the most common causes of vertigo to date, and treatments that can help you get your life back from this 'dizzying' illness.  Also, find a printable version of this information at the end.

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)– The most common cause of BPPV is thought to be particles in your inner ear becoming dislodged and moving into the lateral or posterior semicircular canals in your ear.  This can be caused by prolonged positioning on your back, as in a surgery or dental appointment, or trauma to the head. The position of the dislodged particles can be diagnosed using the Dix-Hallpike test.  The doctor will observe the direction of nystagmus, and be able to determine the location of the crystals and which ear is affected.  The barrel roll, Epley, Foster, Semont, and Brandt-Daroff exercises are said to reposition the particles.  These treatments may require multiple sessions to find relief. Many times symptoms are relieved on their own without treatment within 6 months.  The crystal theory has been controversial as to whether or not particles in the ear are present and can move the way it's portrayed.  

 

• Limiting head position –Another theory is that the brain needs re-calibrating due to the limited positions of the head as one ages. Older adults don’t put their heads in multiple positions like they did as a child (somersaults, cartwheels, and roller coasters for example).  Slowly rotating the head in all positions, slowly swinging on a swing, and rolling your body on the floor are examples of things you can do to prevent vertigo or help re-calibrate the head’s position in space.  The barrel roll, Epley, Semont, and Foster maneuvers or vestibular rehabilitation exercises are also helpful with this theory in that it takes the positions of the head to their fullest.  

 

• Virus or Bacteria– A viral or bacterial infection causing inflammation of the vestibular nerve can cause vertigo.  Olive leaf extract, colloidal silver, and garlic are great anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents to assist in healing vertigo caused by viruses or bacteria. Follow directions on the label. Be patient with viral causing vertigo, as it may take days or months to heal.  See your doctor to determine if an antibiotic prescription is required.

 

• Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders – Injury or spasms to the muscles can dramatically affect the inner ear.  This may cause the cranial structures to prevent the natural drainage in the brain or ear from working properly.  Dry needling (a treatment using acupuncture needles) to release the muscles in spasm can give immediate relief.  Also, de-torqueing techniques, myofascial release, or cranial sacral treatments can help this as well.

 

• Medications – Sometimes medications can cause ear damage and/or vertigo.  Check the side effects of your medications or ask your doctor to switch if you think this may be the cause of your vertigo.

 

• Migraine headaches – CBD oil can dramatically improve symptoms of migraines.  CBD oil is over-the-counter and legal in all 50 states because it does not have THC in it, which causes psychoactive effects.  CBD oil will also ease anxiety and muscle tension.  Start with the dosage indicated on the bottle and slowly increase by a single dose approximately every 2 hours until you "feel" the oil working or you find relief.  

 

• Meniere’s disease - Symptoms of Meniere's disease include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and severe, disabling vertigo accompanied by vomiting. Meniere’s disease is diagnosed through hearing tests and a gadolinium-enhanced MRI.  Diuretics (water pills) can be prescribed to help reduce pressure from fluid buildup in the inner ear causing the vertigo.  Also, a low-salt diet is recommended.  Dry needling or myofascial release on the face, neck, and cranial structures have been known to help those suffering from Meniere’s disease as well.  They help open the structures up for proper drainage.

 
It's important to find the root cause of your vertigo to get the best treatment.  Your doctor may help you in deciding what is best in your situation.  I hope you found this post helpful.  If you did, I'd love to hear your story in the comments section below.  If you would like a printable copy of vertigo and the treatments mentioned above, click HERE.

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