Vertigo What it is and What it Does

By CH Woods

Vertigo can be identified as a dizzy sensation and a condition in which somebody feels a sensation of whirling or tilting that causes a loss of balance. It is important to keep in mind that vertigo is considered a symptom and not a disease. 

Vertigo is usually linked to fatigue, weakness, feeling lightheaded, disorientation, and unsteadiness.

If you feel as if you are moving, it is known as subjective vertigo while if your environment seems to be moving, it is called objective vertigo. Vertigo is generally harmless, however if symptoms remain a problem.

Diagnosis of Vertigo The identification of vertigo depends on the symptoms you have which are found through physical evaluations and an overview of your health background. A number of assessments like CT scan, blood tests, or electrocardiograms (ECG) could possibly be done to verify the diagnosis of vertigo.

Types of Vertigo The main types of vertigo are said to be:

• Subjective Vertigo
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo
• Objective Vertigo
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is the type of vertigo that is a sudden onset or intensification of symptoms, especially when recurrent.

Common Symptoms of Vertigo 
Symptoms could be continuous or occasional and can happen from a few minutes to several hours, at times persisting for several weeks or a few months. Frequent signs and symptoms can include:

• Vomiting
• Double Vision
• Nausea
• Disorientation
• Muscle Weakness
• Tinnitus
• Involuntary Eye Movements
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Balance Difficulties

Causes of Vertigo 
There are many different reasons vertigo could develop. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, also known as BPPV, can develop due to harm caused to the inner ear. It is the most frequent reason for vertigo and might be associated with decreased mental ability, muscle weakness in the face, and hearing loss. Tumors such as acoustic neuroma can cause vertigo along with symptoms such as tinnitus and hearing problems.

Other general causes of vertigo can include:

• Meniere’s Disease
• Head Injury
• Ear Infection
• Inner Ear Fluid Balance
• Multiple Sclerosis

Other medical conditions that may worsen vertigo may include:

• Altitude Sickness
• Motion Sickness
• Migraines
• Massages
• Menopause

Natural Remedies for Vertigo
The treatment of vertigo is determined by the exact cause and intensity of episodes. A very well-known type of treatment involves the use of vestibular rehabilitation exercises, which requires you to lie down on a table on your side until the vertigo decreases and then rotating to your other side until vertigo goes away completely. Speak with a medical professional to find out how to perform this treatment.

If vertigo is triggered because of an infection of the middle ear, antibiotics could possibly be given. More serious cases of vertigo could also call for surgery. Therapeutic massages can also reduce the symptoms of vertigo. Although an overall massage is beneficial, many people feel the most relief while the head is massaged.

Natural treatments can also provide relief from feeling lightheaded and queasy caused by vertigo and boost inner ear stability.Holistic substances like gelsemium, cocculus indicus, and lobelia inflata have all been shown to be very effective in reducing conditions caused by vertigo such as headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, double vision, exhaustion, tinnitus, and nausea.

Bryonia alba is a herb that may be helpful for head pain as well as for people who sweat excessively. Furthermore, herbal treatments are effective for those struggling with the symptoms of vertigo and they are a great way to enhance any other treatment done to reduce vertigo. Herbs are also beneficial since they are quickly absorbed into the body.

Before attempting any of the treatments above, make sure you consult a licensed practitioner
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.