Vertigo is the uncontrollable sensation of movement or spinning. It may cause you to feel as if you are moving or your surroundings are. The most distinct feature of vertigo is its rotational component. 

Children often inflict self-induced vertigo in themselves when they spin round and round until they lose their balance because of dizziness. However, it only lasts for a couple of seconds. When it happens because of an underlying condition, it's not fun. It occurs without warning and may last for hours or days. 

What should you do if you suddenly experience a vertigo attack? Read until the end to find out the various home remedies you can try for vertigo relief. 

Causes of Peripheral and Central Vertigo

Before discussing some vertigo home remedies, let’s talk about the two types of vertigo. Vertigo can either be peripheral or central.

Peripheral vertigo has its origin from a problem in the inner ear, where the system of balance in the body lies. On the other hand, central vertigo stems from an issue in the sensory nerve pathways of the brain. 

Below are some reasons vertigo may come about:

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

The inner ear has otolith particles that lodge in the inner ear fluid (endolymph fluid). These calcium carbonate crystals touch the sensory hair cells within the semicircular canals when you make head movements. Then the vestibular nerve transmits signals to the brain about your body’s position in your surroundings. BPPV occurs when the small crystals stay in the wrong area in the inner ear, making endolymph fluid continuously flowing even after the head has halted. 

• Labyrinthitis

The inflammation of the inner ear and the vestibulocochlear nerve that translates the position and movement of the head. It typically occurs due to a viral infection.

• Vestibular Neuronitis

Similar to labyrinthitis, it due to inflammation following a viral infection. However, it affects the vestibular nerve. This nerve is responsible in the sending of spatial orientation and balance signals to the brain. 

• Cholesteatoma

The repetitive infection causes the growth of skin in the middle ear. If the skin grows too big, it can injure the eardrum and the bones in the area. This leads to vertigo and permanent hearing loss.  

• Meniere’s Disease

This condition occurs when there is a buildup of excessive fluid in the inner ear, causing vertigo, hearing loss, or tinnitus (ringing in the ear). The American Hearing Research Foundation reported that the majority of people with Meniere’s are 40 years or older. Its genesis can be a virus, blood vessel constriction, or an autoimmune reaction. 

More Vertigo Causes

Apart from the conditions mentioned above, other factors can also contribute to the onset of vertigo:

• Head or neck trauma 
• Staying in bed for long periods
• Certain medications
• Side effects of drugs or medication toxicity
• Migraines
• Ear surgery
• A stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Syphilis
• A transient ischemic attack
• A tumor or other brain disease
• Otosclerosis – the unusual growth of bone of the middle ear causing hearing loss and balance problems
• Herpes zoster oticus – a viral infection of shingles that affects the inner, middle, and external ear.
• Perilymphatic fistula –damage in one of the membranes dividing the middle and inner ear, causing the leakage of inner ear fluid toward the middle ear
• An acoustic neuroma – a benign tumor on the vestibular nerve which causes imbalance and hearing loss.

Vertigo Relief During an Attack 

Vertigo can be overwhelming if it hits without warning. Apply these vertigo home remedies to overcome the spinning sensation of vertigo. 

• Don’t panic. Sit down the moment you start to feel some dizzy spells.
• Drink more water to avoid dehydration, which can contribute more to dizziness. 
• Use a cane to keep your balance and avoid falls that can cause serious injuries.
• If a particular movement has caused vertigo in the past, do it gradually and cautiously.
• Use natural essential oils to manage the headaches, nausea, and dizziness that accompany vertigo.
• If your vertigo is due to BPPV, do canalith repositioning (also called Epley maneuver). – this removes the calcium crystals out of the wrong area in the inner ear. Lay down on the edge of a bed with your head hanging a little and tilted 45 degrees in the direction of the affected ear. Move into a series of four positions until your head is rotated 90 degrees toward the other ear. 

Natural Vertigo Relief with Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Different case studies have pointed out the fascinating connection between vertigo and a misaligned atlas in the upper cervical spine (neck). 

The spinal cord and brainstem transmit signals between the brain and body. Critical information about our body’s position and balance come from the brainstem. If the atlas (the uppermost bone of the spine) misaligns, it can result in several problems in the body.

The worse that could happen is the brainstem may mistakenly tell the brain that the body is moving even when it is just staying still. This is often the beginning of vertigo. 

Upper cervical chiropractors concentrate on putting your atlas in proper alignment. Even the tiniest misalignment can take a toll on the entire body. Upper cervical doctors use a gentle and precise technique to realign the vertebrae. It is a natural method to encourage the bones to return into place, resulting in a reduction in or disappearance of the symptoms of vertigo.

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