Vertigo is an extremely unpleasant condition characterized by dizziness and a feeling of constant rotation or movement. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance. The causes of vertigo are varied, so before you can learn how to suppress seizures, you need to find out what causes vertigo and make sure that the vertigo is not associated with any more serious medical condition. There are a number of effective ways to stop the feeling of vertigo.
Attention: the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Immediate Action
Step 1. Drive slowly
If you have an attack of vertigo, in any case, do not quickly change your posture. Try to move as slowly as possible to reduce dizziness. This will help you focus and clear your head. If you are standing or walking, try to lean on something stable, such as a wall or railing.
- Take short breaks and rest as needed before moving on slowly.
- Vertigo should not completely impede your mobility or prevent you from getting up in the morning. Don't be afraid to move, just do it carefully and slowly!
Step 2. Try to look up less
Avoid looking up for extended periods of time, as this will increase spatial disorientation and nausea. It is best to keep your head straight and look in front of you. If you need to tilt or turn your head and look in a different direction, do it slowly and smoothly.
- While your symptoms shouldn't worsen significantly if you look up for a couple of seconds, it's best to refrain from activities such as tidying up the top shelf or looking at a screen above your eye level.
- You may experience discomfort when looking down.
Step 3. Don't focus on moving objects
Observing a fast moving object, such as a passing car or train, can increase dizziness. In addition, you may find it difficult to focus on objects that are too close or far away. If you are trying to focus on something, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. This will help relieve unpleasant symptoms.
Step 4. Lie in an inclined position
Try not to lie down horizontally, as this can exacerbate vertigo. Keep your head slightly raised to reduce dizziness. Sit or recline by using pillows or reclining chairs.
Step 5. Sit in a quiet place
Sit in a quiet, dark room to reduce dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms of vertigo. You can lie on a bed or chair and prop your head with pillows. Turn off lights and electronic devices, TV and radio. A quiet, relaxed environment will help reduce vertigo.
Try sitting in a quiet place for at least twenty minutes. Perhaps this will be enough to get rid of unpleasant symptoms. If the dizziness does not go away after 20 minutes, rest the same amount
Method 2 of 4: The Epley Maneuver
Step 1. Determine which ear causes vertigo
Sit on the bed with your head hanging slightly over the edge after you lie down. Turn your head to the right and lie down quickly. Wait one minute and see if you feel dizzy. Repeat the same for the left side. If you feel dizzy when turning to the right, the problem is caused by your right ear. If you feel dizzy after turning left, vertigo is associated with the left ear.
Step 2. Slowly turn your head 45 degrees
Sit on the edge of the bed and turn your head 45 degrees in the direction of the problem ear. Do not turn your head too much (your chin should not reach your shoulder).
For example, if vertigo is caused by the left ear, turn your head to the left. If the problem is with the right ear, turn your head 45 degrees to the right
Step 3. Get down on the bed
After you turn your head, quickly lower your back onto the bed. Place pillows under your shoulders. In this case, the head should remain turned. Relax your neck and shoulders. Hold this position for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4. Turn your head 90 degrees
Continue lying down and slowly turn your head 90 degrees in the opposite direction. Do not lift your head - it should be on the edge of the bed. Hold it in this position for 1-2 minutes.
If vertigo is caused by the left ear, turn your head 90 degrees to the right. If the problem is with your right ear, turn your head to the left
Step 5. Roll over to the “normal” side
Turn your whole body around and lie on the side where your healthy ear is. After that, turn your head (while the body should remain motionless) so that your gaze is directed to the floor. Stay in this position for 1-2 minutes.
If the vertigo is associated with the left ear, lie on the right side
Step 6. If necessary, repeat the movements
For some, the above series of movements brings immediate relief. Others need to repeat the Epley maneuver several times. If symptoms persist, continue with this series of movements three times a day. Stop doing the Epley maneuver if you have not experienced any unpleasant symptoms within 24 hours.
These movements can be performed upon waking up, at lunchtime, and before bedtime
Step 7. During the week, do not lie flat, try not to tilt your head too low and not lift it up
Use a reclining chair or pillows to lie at a 45-degree angle while sleeping. Try to keep your head straight as well. This will help prevent recurrent vertigo symptoms.
- It is also helpful not to lie on the “bad” side.
- Do not tilt your head back when shaving or applying eye drops.
Method 3 of 4: The Foster Maneuver
Step 1. Determine which ear is associated with vertigo
Sit on the bed with your head hanging slightly over the edge after you lie down. Turn your head to the right and lie down. Wait one minute and see if you feel dizzy. Repeat the same for the left side. If you feel dizzy when turning to the right, the problem is caused by your right ear. If you feel dizzy after turning left, vertigo is associated with the left ear.
Step 2. Kneel down on the floor
First you need to kneel on the floor. At the same time, do not lower your hips and buttocks to your calves. The legs should be bent at the knees at right angles. Place your palms on the floor just below your shoulders. Raise your chin and stare at the ceiling for 5-10 seconds.
If the floor is not carpeted, place a towel or sports mat under your knees
Step 3. Lower your head to the floor
Lower your chin to your chest and bend over to the floor. When doing this, still rest your knees and palms on the floor. Continue to lean forward until your forehead touches the floor (your pelvis should remain raised). Stay in this position for about 30 seconds.
Step 4. Turn your head
Stay in the same position and turn your head in the direction where the problem ear is. In this case, your gaze should be directed along the shoulder. Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
For example, if vertigo is caused by the left ear, turn your head to the left
Step 5. Lift your upper body
Raise your head quickly, push off the floor and straighten your back. As a result, your head should be at the same height as your back, so that your ear is parallel to the floor. Continue on all fours and keep your head rotated 45 degrees. Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
Step 6. Raise your head
Raise your head so that the crown of your head is toward the ceiling and your chin is toward the floor. In this case, the head should still be turned with the problem ear to the shoulder. Get up very slowly.
Step 7. Repeat the movements
If your condition does not improve, repeat the movements again. You may need to do them several times for the vertigo to go away. Before repeating the movements, rest 15 minutes after the first time. Although this exercise can be done as long as you like, it is probably worth consulting with your doctor if it does not work after 3 or more attempts.
Step 8. Sleep in an elevated position on the “good” side for about a week
Lie with the problem ear on top and place a pair of pillows under your upper body. You can also use one pillow under your side to avoid turning around in your sleep.
Method 4 of 4: Medical Assistance
Step 1. See your doctor
While vertigo is often caused by something minor, it can also be caused by more serious health problems. Vertigo can be a sign of an infection or other serious medical condition. If dizziness recurs, see a physician or general practitioner. If indicated, he will refer you to an otolaryngologist.
Step 2. Take antibiotics
Vertigo is often caused by an inner ear infection or fluid in the middle ear. This is not necessarily due to an infection, and may be due to allergies or problems with the Eustachian tubes. Viral infections go away on their own, they do not respond to drug treatment. If vertigo is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
If the fluid in your inner or middle ear is infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, nasal steroids, or saline spray
Step 3. Take medications for vertigo
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe special medications to help relieve symptoms. Usually, these drugs are prescribed only under certain circumstances, such as vestibular neuronitis, central vertigo, or Meniere's disease. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines for you.
These drugs are taken for 3 to 14 days. If they help, your doctor may recommend keeping them at home in case the attacks of vertigo recur
Step 4. Get a referral to the appropriate specialist
If your condition does not improve, your GP may refer you to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) or neurologist. The doctor of the relevant specialty has the relevant knowledge and experience, which will allow him to develop a sufficiently effective treatment plan.
- Typically, the therapist will immediately refer patients with vertigo symptoms to an otolaryngologist who conducts the necessary examinations and prescribes treatment. A neurologist should be consulted if special exercises have not helped, vertigo lasts longer than one month, or is accompanied by unusual or severe symptoms. In addition, you should see an otolaryngologist if your hearing is impaired.
- Your otolaryngologist will most likely order an electronystagmography (ENG) to see if the problems you are experiencing are related to your inner ear, brain, or nerves. In addition, he may order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- You can also ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist. A physical therapist will teach you how to do the above exercises correctly.
Step 5. Get the surgery done
In rare and extreme cases, your doctor may recommend surgery. In this case, a bone filling is inserted into the ear and with its help those parts of the inner ear that cause vertigo are blocked.
The operation is performed if other methods have not helped and vertigo negatively affects the quality of life
Advice
- Follow your doctor's instructions. If you are prescribed medications, take them regularly.
- Before starting any treatment, be sure to consult with your doctor.
- In most cases, vertigo is not caused by any serious medical condition, and often symptoms can be alleviated with simple methods.
- If you are prescribed special exercises, physical therapy, or diet, follow your doctor's instructions.
Warnings
- If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo, be careful when driving and working with various machinery and equipment.
- If your condition worsens or new symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention.