How to Learn to Live Life With Vertigo

Vertigo is a disorder of the vestibular system, and can cause severe balance disturbances as well as motion sickness. Even with the advances in modern medicine, living with vertigo can be a challenge for anyone, due to its unpredictability.

Instructions

• 1

  The first step in learning to live with vertigo is to investigate all of the potential causes. Chances are your doctor has checked you out thoroughly before giving you a diagnosis, but if he hasn't? Request further testing. There are many potential causes of vertigo, including inner ear infections, multiple sclerosis or even brain tumors. Before you panic, rest assured that most cases are relatively benign. When your physician determines the why you have vertigo, learn everything you can about it, including prognosis, treatments and personal experiences of others with the same condition.

• 2

  Next, find out what medications are available for your symptoms. For instance, if your vertigo is caused by an infection, a dose of strong antibiotics should take it away. If your vertigo stems from a more serious inner ear problem, prescriptions are available that may decrease the symptoms. These may include nausea, dizziness and loss of balance. You may need to try more than one medication before you find what works best for you. If you can find the right prescription to manage its symptoms, living with vertigo will be much easier.

• 3

  Don’t forget about other treatments, like physical therapy (PT). A PT skilled in vestibular rehabilitation can retrain your nervous system to function more appropriately. Believe it or not, inner ear exercises can help to partially or completely resolve certain kinds of vertigo. A therapist can also teach you to compensate for whatever symptoms remain, such as ongoing balance problems. Some people find alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal remedies useful in treating vertigo, however you should always consult your doctor before trying any new treatment, regardless of type.

• 4

  Be safe. Living with vertigo presents many challenges to your daily routine. Some people become “furniture walkers” around their homes to prevent falls, while others occasionally use a walker or a cane for extra stability. It can be helpful to keep your eyes on a fixed point when walking, or simply to limit unnecessary walking or standing. If you are symptomatic, do not drive. Use a seat in the shower, and invest in a personal alarm in case of fall.

• 5

  Get regular checkups, even if your symptoms are not worsening. New therapies and medicines are always in development. When living with vertigo, it is a good idea to keep your ears and eyes open to what is up and coming in the medical world. Subscribe to newsgroups, join online support communities, and read about breakthroughs in treatments. You never know when something new might make living with vertigo a thing of the past.