Preventing and Managing Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation where you feel as if you are spinning, swaying, or moving even while you remain still. It may stem from disturbances in your inner ear or parts of your brain that control balance, so it disrupts your sense of stability. Learning about its causes and knowing your management options may help you take informed steps to address vertigo. Here is more information on how to prevent and manage this condition:

Neurological Tests

A healthcare professional can review your medical history in detail. They might ask about timing, triggers, and associated symptoms, such as hearing changes, which narrows down the possible causes. Your account also helps highlight patterns, such as whether you experience headaches or ringing in your ears before dizziness begins.

Next, they can conduct specific examinations to gain further insight. This allows the clinician to observe your reactions directly and pinpoint positions that trigger spinning sensations. The head impulse test also assesses your eye movements and evaluates the health of your balance system.

They may assess your hearing, which helps determine whether there’s an inner ear problem. When questions remain, MRI or CT scans offer images of the brain and ear structures. These scans are not routine for every patient, but can be useful if warning signs appear on the initial evaluation.

Preventive Strategies

Daily habits have a significant impact on vertigo management. Gentle exercise, such as walking or tai chi, may improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Drinking water daily and reducing salt intake may improve hydration and help prevent vertigo caused by inner ear fluid buildup.

Some substances and lifestyle factors can prompt symptoms for many individuals. Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol can make a difference, especially for those who note a pattern after consumption. If you have migraines, tracking and avoiding food triggers is useful, as some foods or drinks may set off both headaches and vertigo episodes. Getting enough sleep and practicing stress management, like meditation or deep breathing, supports your overall well-being and may reduce dizziness.

Physical Therapy

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is designed to address problems with balance and dizziness in practical, focused ways. You will work through a set of specific exercises, which teach your body and brain to better process signals from your inner ear. Many people begin with gentle balance training and gaze stabilization, followed by more challenging tasks as they progress. VRT might involve:

Gaze stabilization exercises
Habituation exercises
Balance and gait training

Some cases may benefit from manual maneuvers, such as one that repositions loose particles in the inner ear. A medical provider can give you exercises to practice at home, building on what was started during your clinic visits.

Prescribed Medications

Doctors have access to several medicines for managing vertigo and its related symptoms in the short term. For those who have severe cases, specialists might turn to medications like benzodiazepines, customizing the plan to individual needs. Anti-nausea drugs are sometimes prescribed to manage associated nausea, ensuring your comfort remains throughout your episode.

Get Treated for Vertigo

Effective vertigo management relies on understanding the cause and working with your provider to develop a well-rounded plan. Your treatment may involve physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication, depending on your specific situation. If you’re experiencing dizziness or spinning sensations, schedule a visit with a medical team near you.