Vertigo – Top 5 Things to Know

Ever felt like the world is spinning out of control—literally? That’s vertigo, a condition that can make you feel as though your surroundings are moving, tilting, or swaying even when you’re standing still. Unlike occasional dizziness, vertigo can come with a range of sensations and symptoms that affect your balance and daily life. It’s often linked to issues within the inner ear or the brain’s balance centers, causing everything from nausea to blurred vision. In this post, we’ll break down the top 10 things you need to know about vertigo, from what causes it to how to manage it effectively.

1.) Difference between Vertigo & Dizziness

People often use “vertigo” and “dizziness” interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Dizziness is a broad term for lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo specifically refers to a sensation of spinning or motion when you’re not actually moving. Common vertigo symptoms include:

• Spinning
• Swaying
• Nausea
• Headache
• Sweating
• And more…

Symptoms can last from a few minutes to a few hours. 

2.) Vertigo Caused by Inner Ear Issues

Many cases of vertigo trace back to problems in the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance. When this system gets disrupted, it can send mixed signals to your brain about where your body is in space, causing the vertigo sensation. A few common types of vertigo include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – the most common type of vertigo and typically brought on by a change in head position
• Labyrinthitis – an inflammation of the inner ear, typically caused by a virus or bacteria
• Meniere’s Disease – while the cause remains unclear, symptoms of this disease are associated with a fluid imbalance in the labyrinth (a part of the inner ear)
• Vestibular Neuritis – an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, a nerve that sends information to your brain about balance

3.) Anxiety & Vertigo – How They’re Connected

Stress and anxiety do not cause vertigo, but they can intensify symptoms of vertigo. Elevated levels of cortisol (stress hormone) can negatively affect the communication between the vestibular nerve and the brain. When anxious, your body’s cortisol levels and other stress hormone levels can remain elevated and continue to negatively affect your vestibular system. 

4.) Complementary Therapies

In an effort to treat vertigo, many people incorporate alternative and complementary therapies into their treatment plans. These include:

• Acupuncture – some studies show that acupuncture can help increase circulation and decrease inflammation of the inner ear, thus reducing symptoms of vertigo
• Mindfulness Exercises – yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety, and therefore lessen symptoms of vertigo
• Ginger – studies suggest that ginger can help relieve motion sickness and has the same effect for vertigo, try drinking some ginger tea and don’t skip out on the pickled ginger palate cleanser while eating sushi!

5.) Epley Maneuver

The Epley maneuver is an exercise you can do at home to relieve dizziness caused by BPPV. Steps for the Epley Maneuver:

Step 1: Start sitting up on a bed, with your legs flat on the bed in front of you. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left (or right depending on which ear is causing the vertigo)

Step 2: Lie down, keeping your head turned to the left (right). Wait 30 seconds.

Step 3: Turn your head to the right (left) 90 degrees, until it’s facing 45 degrees to your right (left) side. Wait 30 seconds.

Step 4: Roll over onto your right (left) side before sitting up.

If you’re having trouble, ask your doctor to show you how to do the maneuver first to ensure you’re doing it correctly. If you don’t have access to medical care, try searching for a video tutorial on Youtube, but remember, they may not be a medical professional. 

Regaining Balance: Managing Life with Vertigo

Living with vertigo can be challenging, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments can make a real difference. From lifestyle changes and stress management to trying the Epley maneuver or complementary therapies, options are available to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Always consult with a healthcare provider to find the best approach for you—because with the right support, it’s possible to regain your sense of balance and control.

Sources:

Dizziness | Mayo Clinic

Vertigo | WebMD

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) | Mayo Clinic

What is Labyrinthitis? | WebMD

Ménière’s Disease | National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Vestibular Neuritis | Healthline

What’s the Link Between Stress, Anxiety, and Vertigo? | Healthline

Can Acupuncture Help with Vertigo? | Healthline

Causes of Vertigo and How it is Treated | VeryWellHealth

Epley Maneuver | Healthline