Vertigo Causes and Treatments

The most common symptom of vertigo is a sudden feeling of being dizzy. Often, you feel like your surroundings are spinning or moving. These episodes are usually triggered by a quick head movement, such as when you sit up suddenly or turn over in bed.

This sudden onset of vertigo means that something is potentially wrong with the brain or blood pressure. Almost all conditions that affect the brain are potentially life-threatening. In the case of sudden vertigo, call your physician immediately.

Many times, vertigo is made worse by movement or changes in position.

Two common causes of vertigo are labyrinthitis (inner ear infection) or a condition called Meniere's disease. Both of these conditions are caused by fluid fluctuations in the inner ear. The ear sends a message to the brain that the victim is moving, while the eyes send a different message. Since the two messages conflict, the victim feels dizzy.

Another very common cause of vertigo that worsens with a change in position is dehydration. Dehydration often follows vomiting or diarrhea. Vertigo often causes nausea and vomiting, so it may be hard to distinguish inner ear problems from dehydration. Victims of vertigo that gets worse with changes in the position should be seen by a physician. Untreated, inner ear problems can lead to a loss of hearing and dehydration can lead to shock.

Any condition that affects the brain can cause vertigo. One of the easiest ways to remember other causes of vertigo is to use the mnemonic AEIOU TIPS:

• A - alcohol
• E - epilepsy or exposure (heat stroke, hypothermia)
• I - insulin (diabetic emergency)
• O - overdose or oxygen deficiency (shortness of breath)
• U - uremia (toxins due to kidney failure)
• T - trauma (shock or head injury)
• I - infection
• P - psychosis or poisoning
• S - stroke

Meclizine (Antivert®) is a prescription medication used to treat vertigo. In most cases, treatment depends on finding a solution for the underlying cause of vertigo. If vertigo causes nausea, doctors may prescribe an anti-emetic medication like promethazine (Phenergan®). Be sure to call 911 or a physician for vertigo that comes on suddenly.

Before using a home remedy to treat vertigo, you should consult with your physician. Here are a few treatments that may help symptoms of vertigo:

• Physical therapy, known as a modified Epley maneuver, is administered with head and body movements while sitting on a bed. This is the type of physical therapy that should first be performed by a doctor or physical therapist, then can be performed at home.
•  Vitamin D could prove beneficial for patients diagnosed with a type of vertigo known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
• Herbs, such as ginger root, ginkgo biloba may help reduce vertigo symptoms in some people.
• Acupuncture is another alternative treatment that can reduce symptoms of vertigo.
• Avoid any substances that can affect circulation, such as caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol.