Dizzy? Spinning? Earache?   You may have VERTIGO…

Vertigo feels like your surroundings are in motion, or that you are spinning.  The dizziness makes it difficult to maintain balance. Most people want to lie down, although that doesn’t always help.  The disorientation may last for a few minutes, or hours, or even days.  It is easy to understand why the search for treatment is rarely postponed when vertigo strikes. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 40% of people in the United States experience vertigo at least once during their lifetime. Prevalence is slightly higher in women and increases with age.   It is important to identify the cause of a particular case of Vertigo in order to treat it.

The most common causes of vertigo are benign positional vertigo and labyrinthitis. Benign positional vertigo happens when you change the position of your head. Labyrinthitis is caused by a viral infection of the inner ear. Meniere’s disease is another common inner ear problem. It causes vertigo, loss of balance, and ringing in the ears (National Institute of Health).

If Vertigo is recurring or there are other accompanying symptoms, a medical evaluation should be sought.  Normally the patient’s Blood pressure will be checked & hearing tests will be administered.  Brain scans may also be used.  A common test is a “rotatory chair test” in which the patient is turned in different directions to assess the source and severity of the condition.   

Most times, benign positional vertigo and labyrinthitis go away on their own within a few weeks.   Once the cause is determined, there are natural remedies & preventative measures that can be practiced.

-Vertigo is often caused by dehydration.   Drink adequate amounts of water, increasing intake upon physical exertion and hot weather.

-Vertigo can be a side- effect of some prescription drugs.  Check with your doctor before discontinuing or changing your medication.

-Fluid retention in the inner ear can cause Vertigo.  Some foods can contribute to this fluid, including animal fats, cream, sugar and highly processed foods. 

-Wind in the ear is also considered a common cause.  Ears should be protected when using blow dryers and in inclement weather.    Chinese Medicine suggests foods to help reduce the effect of “wind”, such as celery, basil, pine nuts, coconuts, Flax oil and Chamomile Tea.

-Vertigo has been associated with both high cholesterol and high blood sugar (Diabetes). Take measures to reduce these conditions where possible.

-Some vertigo can be reduced by working with a physical therapist.

-Gingko biloba increases blood flow to the brain.  This may increase alertness and reduce the lightheadedness commonly associated with vertigo.

-Low DHEA, a hormone that our bodies produce naturally, can produce many symptoms of malaise, such as fatigue and dizziness...which add to the disorientation.  Increase intake of DHEA in order to prevent these additional symptoms.

-There are many homeopathic remedies that address vertigo. Various treatments have been known to include Apis, Baptisa, Belladonna, Bryonia, Cannabis, Cocculus, Digitalis, Gelsemium, Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Silica & Rhus-tox. 
 
-During attacks of vertigo from any cause, try to rest and lie still. Avoid sudden changes in your position as well as bright lights. Be cautious about driving or using machinery.

Much less commonly, vertigo or feeling unsteady is a sign of Stroke, multiple sclerosis, seizures, a brain tumor, or a bleed in your brain. In such conditions, other symptoms usually accompany the vertigo or imbalance.   It is very important to seek medical treatment if you are experiencing accompanying symptoms.
Call 911 or go to an emergency room if someone with dizziness also has:

• A head injury
• Fever over 101°F, headache, or very stiff neck
• Convulsions or ongoing Vomiting
• Chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, inability to move an arm or leg, or change in vision or speech
• Fainting and losing consciousness for more than a few minutes

Sources:
National Institute of Health  Update Date: 4/30/2004
Pitchford P. Healing with Whole Foods. North Atlantic Books, 1993; pp 286-288
Kent’s Repertory