Vertigo

What is it?

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by problems in the inner ear or the brain. It can be triggered by sudden movements or certain positions.

What are the symptoms?

Dizziness or spinning sensation.
Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Balance problems.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), in some cases.

What else could it be? (Differential diagnosis)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo triggered by specific head movements.
Meniere’s disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve that controls balance.

What are the aggravating factors?

Sudden head movements: Tilting the head backward or turning it quickly.
Stress or anxiety: Can exacerbate the feeling of dizziness.
Dehydration: Can lead to dizziness, especially when standing up quickly.

What types of food are helpful?

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness.
Balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps with overall health, including preventing vertigo triggers.
Limit salt intake: Reducing salt can help manage Meniere's disease and prevent fluid retention in the inner ear.

What are the traditional treatments?

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): A form of physical therapy to help retrain the brain and improve balance.
Medications: Antihistamines or anti-nausea medications may be used to control symptoms.
Canalith repositioning: A maneuver used to treat BPPV.

What are the natural and alternative treatments?

Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties and may help with vertigo symptoms.
Peppermint oil: Aromatherapy with peppermint oil may help reduce dizziness.
Gingko biloba: May improve circulation and reduce vertigo symptoms.

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