Vertigo SOS: At-Home Remedies, When to Seek Help, and Keeping Your Balance as You Age

Feeling like the room is spinning? You're not alone. Vertigo, that sensation of dizziness or disorientation, is a surprisingly common issue, especially for older adults. As caregivers, it can be alarming to witness, but there are steps you can take to help your loved one find relief.

This blog is your one-stop guide to understanding vertigo, treating it at home, and keeping your loved ones safe on their feet.

Understanding Vertigo - Symptoms and Treatment

Vertigo isn't a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying issue. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or whirling, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a loss of balance. The cause often lies in the inner ear, where tiny canals filled with fluid help us maintain balance. When these canals get irritated or dislodged calcium particles float around, sending mixed signals to the brain – bingo, vertigo! This type of vertigo is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), and thankfully, BPPV often responds well to specific vertigo physiotherapy exercises.

It may also be caused by Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, certain medications, or even vertigo and cervical spondylosis (neck pain). Differentiating between vertigo and dizziness is important, as dizziness refers to a lightheaded or unsteady feeling without the spinning sensation. 

Common vertigo symptoms include a spinning sensation, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily activities and can lead to anxiety and depression.

How to treat vertigo at home

While vertigo can be a debilitating condition, several at-home remedies can help alleviate symptoms. 

• Rest: Staying still in a quiet, dimly lit room can often ease dizziness.
• Hydrate: Dehydration can worsen vertigo. Encourage frequent sips of water.
• Ginger Supplements: Ginger is a natural nausea soother. Consider ginger tea or supplements. (Be sure to check with their doctor for potential interactions with medications.)
• Vertigo physiotherapy exercises: Home treatment for BPPV vertigo includes specific maneuvers like the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver. These involve head and body movements that can help reposition the crystals. Important note: Never attempt these maneuvers without guidance from a healthcare professional. 
  Another exercise that can help relieve vertigo symptoms is the Brandt-Daroff exercise. This exercise involves sitting on the edge of a bed and repeatedly moving from a lying-down position to a sitting position. It helps the brain adapt to the changes in balance caused by vertigo.
• Another option to explore is vertigo acupressure points. Applying pressure to specific points on the body stimulates the nervous system and alleviates dizziness. Research suggests acupressure might be helpful for vertigo, but consult a qualified acupuncturist for proper treatment.

In addition to specific exercises, there are also lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help manage vertigo symptoms. Making dietary modifications, such as reducing salt intake and avoiding trigger foods, can help reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, can also be beneficial in managing vertigo symptoms. Getting enough sleep and rest is crucial for overall health and can help reduce the frequency of vertigo episodes.

When to Seek Medical Help

While at-home remedies can work wonders for BPPV, there are situations where seeking medical attention is crucial. Here are some red flags:

• Sudden, severe vertigo
• Vertigo lasting for days or weeks
• Difficulty walking or coordinating movements
• Hearing loss along with vertigo (vertigo and tinnitus)
• Fever, headache, or numbness

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

Keeping Balance in old age

Vertigo neck exercises and exercise for vestibular vertigo can be incredibly helpful in managing vertigo and preventing fall in old age. Such balance activity for elderly aims to retrain the brain to interpret signals from the inner ear more effectively.

A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise program that incorporates:

• Head movements: These gentle exercises help desensitize the inner ear.
• Balance training: Activities like standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe can improve stability.
• Eye movement exercises: These exercises help the eyes and inner ear work together more efficiently

Additional tips

• How to tell which ear is causing vertigo? If your elderly parents consistently get dizzy every time they roll left in bed, for example, the left ear is likely the culprit.
• How to differentiate Migraine and vertigo? Their symptoms can sometimes overlap. If migraines are a trigger, discuss preventive measures with their doctor.
• Can vertigo be caused by stress? Vertigo and stress can be linked. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation may be beneficial.
• Vertigo and dizziness can also be caused by dehydration. Encourage staying hydrated throughout the day.
• Vertigo veins (a less common cause) might require specific medical intervention. Discussing any concerns about blood circulation with a doctor is important.

Is vertigo treatable? Yes, by understanding the symptoms, exploring at-home remedies, and seeking medical help when needed, you can empower your loved ones to stay active and independent.

So, the next time vertigo strikes, don't let it spin you out of control.  With the right information and support, you can help your loved ones find their balance again!