Simply put, vertigo is the sensation of spinning. One of the most common ear disease, it is caused by various factors that affect the inner ear which is the source of your body’s balance. Many cases of vertigo will clear up on their own and others will be more difficult to treat. Either way, there’s no denying the fact that the symptoms can be bothersome and annoying.
Vertigo usually comes and goes and is triggered by a change in your head position. Lasts minutes or even hours, that is the most common symptoms include:
● Feeling off balance
● Dizziness
● Tilt or sway
● Pulled in one direction
● Nausea
● Sweating
● Headache
● Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
The above information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis. If you experience frequent, sudden, or severe episodes of dizziness, you should consult your doctor for evaluation.
{Three exercises you can do}
Since you never know when vertigo might strike, it’s important to know ways to help reduce the symptoms and help get rid of them as quickly as possible. Your healthcare provider may share exercises with you to help relieve episode symptoms. Depending on the cause of your vertigo, some exercises will be more effective than others. Try a few and see if they help your situation. Keep in mind that these exercises are likely to make your vertigo symptoms worse while you are doing them.
Try to hold on until it heals. The following are common exercises used to treat vertigo symptoms, and should not be construed as medical advice or as an alternative to seeing a healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor before undertaking any new treatments or exercise programs, and stop any program immediately if you experience pain or discomfort.
1) Epley or modified Epley maneuver: Start by sitting on a bed or couch. Turn your head halfway towards the turning side. Then, trying to maintain this position, lie down quickly and let your head hang back slightly from the bed. This will bring your head lower than your shoulders and body. Remain in this position until the vertigo resolves. Because Epley can be difficult to master on your own, it’s usually a good idea to have your doctor show you this one or two times in the office before you try it yourself.
2) Brandt-Daroff maneuver: Similar to Epley, start in a seated position on a bed, couch, or other flat surface. Turn your head about halfway to the side of your body that is turning. Holding your head in this position, lie on the opposite side of your body. (So if the twist is coming from the right and your head is turned slightly to the right, lie on your left side.) Hold this position for 30 seconds, wait 30 seconds and repeat on the other side 5 times, twice a day.
3) Eye and head movement techniques: Hold your head, move only your eyes left and right and up and down ten times. Then focus on a point on the wall or your finger in front of you. Keeping focused on your focal point, only move your head—first side to side and then up and down. These exercises can help reduce the number of episodes of vertigo you experience if done regularly and in combination with other exercises.
If you’re unsure about the best way to treat vertigo, talk to your doctor or physical therapist. He will be able to teach you additional tips and techniques which can make living with vertigo more bearable.
