What Will Cure Mild Vertigo?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a fancy name for a sensation of spinning and disorientation. It differs from dizziness, in that dizziness makes a person feel as if she is going to pass out, while a person experiencing BPPV usually doesn't feel as if she is going to faint. Instead, she feels like the room is spinning around her.

Causes

• Vertigo is usually a result of a problem in the structures of the inner ear. The vestibular system inside the ear integrates stimuli and movement and is responsible for keeping objects in focus as your body moves.

  Sudden changes in position, even turning over in bed, can bring on this type of vertigo. If it occurs when you are lying down, the room seems to be spinning vertically. Tilting your head back and looking up, as well as looking down, can bring on the disorienting feeling that the room is spinning.

  The cause could also be Ménière disease---a condition that presents itself as vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitis, or ringing in the ear.

  BPPV is generally not serious in itself, but it can lead to problems if you experience it while you are walking when it could lead to a fall. If you are driving, pull off the road immediately.

See a Doctor

• This vertigo, as the name states, is usually benign, but you should see a doctor if you experience frequent attacks or if your vertigo spells are accompanied by other symptoms such as severe headaches, fever, loss of vision or hearing, double vision, difficulty speaking and weakness in your leg or arm---which could be symptoms of a stroke---falling down or problems walking, passing out or pain in the chest---which could indicate a heart problem. See your doctor immediately to rule out, or confirm, serious conditions like heart disease, head injury, Parkinson's disease or brain tumor.

Treatments

• Cures or treatments for vertigo depend on the condition that causes it. A doctor may prescribe medication such as antibiotics if the vertigo is caused by a middle ear infection. If the cause is Ménière disease, the doctor might place you on a low salt diet. Your physician might also refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist.
  Certain medications can be taken under the supervision of a doctor. These include Benadryl, a scopolamine patch, Antivert and Valium.
  People who are at risk from stroke can help prevent the recurrence of vertigo by controlling their high blood pressure and cholesterol and by quitting smoking.

Exercises

• You can perform simple balance exercises on your own to help maintain stability. For people with vertigo, these movements may prove more difficult than they seem: Try simply standing still, feet together and arms down, and hold the position for 30 seconds.
  Then, in the same position, try moving your head slowly up and down, then side to side. Do this movement several times. Stand near a chair so that you can sit down if you begin to experience vertigo.

Prevention/Solution

• Use two or more pillows when you sleep to keep your body slightly elevated. When you wake up, sit on the edge of your bed before standing. When you must pick something up off the floor, bend at the knees rather than leaning over. Be cautious about leaning backwards for a shampoo in a salon or washing your own hair in a shower. Install grab bars in your tub or shower.