Medication Options for Vertigo
One of the most common first-line treatments for vertigo is medication. A number of prescription and over-the-counter drugs have been shown to help relieve vertigo symptoms for many individuals. One group of medications frequently prescribed are antihistamines. These work to block histamine receptors in the inner ear which some research has linked to causing vertigo symptoms. Common antihistamines used include meclizine (Antivert) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Most take effect within 30-60 minutes and can last up to 8 hours, providing relief during an acute vertigo episode.
Anti-nausea medications are another option. Scopolamine patches (Transderm Scop) placed behind the ear work on neurotransmitters to prevent nausea and vomiting brought on by vertigo. They must be replaced every 3 days and can cause side effects like blurred vision and dry mouth. Oral anti-nausea drugs like promethazine (Phenergan) and ondansetron (Zofran) are also prescribed. Corticosteroids may be tried as well if an inner ear problem like vestibular neuritis is suspected. Prednisone is often prescribed as it can reduce inflammation.
Vertigo Treatments can help control vertigo symptoms, they do not cure the underlying cause in many cases. It is important to work with your doctor to determine if further testing or treatments are needed. Medication may provide temporary relief but finding the root trigger is key to long term management.
Lifestyle Changes and Natural Treatments
Making simple adjustments to daily habits can make a difference for some vertigo sufferers. Avoiding trigger foods that are known to set off vertigo for the individual is recommended. Caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods are common culprits. Getting adequate rest and managing stress levels also plays a role. Staying hydrated, keeping active through gentle exercises, and using heat/ice therapy have natural benefits too.
Certain supplements have growing research behind their vertigo-fighting properties as well. Ginger root in supplement form has anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects that may ease vertigo. Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that supports inner ear function. Vitamin D, magnesium and B vitamins like B1 and B12 deficiencies have been tied to increased vertigo risk so maintaining healthy levels through a multivitamin may offer protection. As with any supplements, check with your doctor first.
Physical Therapy Techniques for Vertigo
Physicians will sometimes refer patients to physical or occupational therapists experienced in vertigo rehabilitation. Specific exercises and maneuvers are used to retrain the vestibular system and resolve symptoms over time. Epley and Semont maneuvers, for example, involve gentle head movements that help move loose particles or debris from the inner ear canal. They are performed under medical guidance. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) incorporates a progressive suite of visual and movement-based activities designed to rebuild sensory tolerance.
Some key physical therapy moves for vertigo include:
- Gaze stabilization exercises - smoothly moving the head while keeping eyes fixed on a stationary target.
- Habituation activities - introducing specific head movements/positions that reproduce dizziness at a controlled pace to desensitize the system.
- Balance training - standing on unstable surfaces or doing Tai Chi-like motions to improve coordination.
- Cervical spine adjustments - for those with vertebral artery issues, chiropractic can relieve tension.
- At-home exercises - like yoga poses or using a stationary bike, to practice therapeutic motions regularly.
Physical therapy is valuable when conservative measures alone have not provided enough relief from vertigo. Multiple sessions over weeks are usually required but success rates are high. The right program depends on the individual diagnosis.
Surgical Interventions for Serious Vertigo Cases
In rare cases when vertigo does not respond to other treatment approaches or its cause is a structural abnormality, surgery may be considered. Some of the conditions that may require operation include:
- Meniere's disease - if medication fails to control severe, recurrent attacks, a surgical procedure called endolymphatic sac decompression may be performed. It aims to drain fluid buildup in the inner ear.
- Vestibular schwannoma tumor - a non-cancerous growth involving the vestibular nerve can be removed through microscopic surgery if it grows large enough to impact hearing or balance.
- Perilymph fistula - a tear in one of the membranes surrounding the inner ear allows fluid to leak out. Surgical repair may be needed.
Other less common surgical procedures for vertigo include vestibular neurectomy to cut specific inner ear nerve branches, labyrinthectomy to destroy hearing/balance function on one side, and cochlear implants for dual sensory loss issues. As with any operation, risks must be weighed carefully against likely benefits based on the unique circumstance. Spinal fluid leaks and permanent hearing loss are some surgical complications.
In the vertigo is an umbrella term for several imbalance conditions that can significantly impact quality of life. Luckily, a wide range of treatment avenues now exist from drug regimens, physical maneuvers, lifestyle tweaks and advanced interventions to resolve triggering problems in the inner ear or central nervous system. Finding the right customized approach takes proper diagnosis and may involve trial and error. With support from medical experts, most people do find ways to regain control over symptoms and return to normal activities.
About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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