Alleviate Vertigo

Vertigo is a very frustrating condition which can drastically affect the lives of those who suffer from it. Defined as a sensation of dizziness, spinning or constant motion, vertigo can cause nausea, vomiting and a loss of balance. Vertigo can result from many different causes, therefore it is important to rule out a serious medical condition before learning how to alleviate vertigo. Once a cause is determined, there are effective options for treating vertigo.

Steps

Alleviating Vertigo Immediately

  1. Move slowly. If vertigo hits, the worst thing you can do is to change your position quickly. Reduce your feelings of dizziness by moving very slowly - we’re talking sloth’s pace. These slow movements will allow you to focus more easily and clear your head a bit better. If you need to, take short breaks between slow movements.
  2. Avoid looking up or down. As with regular non-vertigo produced dizziness, looking up or down can cause further disorientation and feelings of unpleasantness. Avoid performing any activities that require you to look up or down for a long period of time or quickly. Keep your head level and parallel to the ground whenever possible.
  3. Focus on a distant object. As a result of human perception, things close up seem to move faster whereas things far away move as if through molasses. Therefore, focus on something in the distance until your dizziness recedes. If necessary, look out a window to do so.
  4. Avoid repetitive movements. It may seem obvious, but repetitive movements will worsen your vertigo by shaking up your balance. Keep your movements deliberate and steady in addition to slow and you should notice an alleviation of your vertigo pretty quickly.[1]

Performing Vertigo Alleviating Movements

  1. Slowly turn your head 45 degrees. Start by turning your head 45 degrees to the left, and then to the right.
  2. Lay your head back. Next, quickly lean your head back onto a pillow, keeping your neck and shoulders relaxed. Tilt your head so that the ear affected with vertigo is lower, resting on the pillow. Hold this for 30 seconds.
  3. Turn your head on the pillow. Keep your head on the pillow, and slowly turn it so that your opposite ear is resting on the pillow. Hold your head in this position for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Turn your whole body. Stabilize your head so that it doesn’t move, and then move your body 90 degrees further in the same direction. Hold your entire body in this position for 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat the movements. In order to rid yourself of vertigo completely, repeat all of these movements (in order) three times daily. These are similar to those performed by a physical therapist, but for much less hassle and money.[2]

Tips

  • It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations, and if prescribed medications, it is important to take them regularly.
  • Always check with your doctor before beginning any vertigo treatment.
  • If you are given an exercise regimen, physical therapy treatment or a diet, follow it as recommended by your doctor.
  • Most cases of vertigo are not the result of a serious medical problem, and symptoms of vertigo are often easily alleviated by simple treatments.

Warnings

  • Be careful when driving or operating machinery while experiencing the symptoms of vertigo.
  • If your vertigo worsens, or new symptoms occur, seek medical treatment immediately.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.onhealth.com/vertigo/page4.htm
  2. ↑ http://women.webmd.com/news/20040712/simple-home-remedy-for-vertigo-works?page=2
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