Vertigo

Description

Vertigo is a type of dizziness where one feels as though they are swaying or moving when they are actually standing still. It occurs because of a loss of internal balance or equilibrium typically caused by a disturbance in the inner ear.

Symptoms

Vertigo attacks usually occur very suddenly and are typically accompanied by difficulty walking, and feeling dizzy or faint. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, a general ill feeling, and pallor (dropping color, turning white).

Types

There are two types of vertigo. Subjective vertigo is characterized by a feeling that the person is floating around in space. Goal vertigo is the feeling that the room, and the objects within the room seem to be swirling around the person.

Cause

Vertigo is caused by disturbances within the system that regulates equilibrium – the ears, ear canal, inner ear, cerebellum, and the eyes. The system can be disturbed by mild stress, ear infections, inflammation of the ear waterways, obstruction within an ear tube, or a tumor. All of these factors must be screened for and addressed in order to put an end to vertigo.
Note: Vertigo can be an indication of a number of other health problems. Prolonged or severe episodes of vertigo require instant medical attention.

Natural Cures

Diet: Avoid stimulants such as coffee, chocolates, sodium, fried foods, smoking, drugs, alcohol, and aspartame.
Herbs: Ginkgo Biloba and Ginger are both known to help maintain equilibrium. Take one tablet of ginkgo Biloba or two capsules of ginger three times daily.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic treatments include gelsemium, phosphorus, cocculus, aconite, natrum muriaticum, sulfur, silicea, lycopodium, and belladonna.

Lifestyle: Remain still during vertigo attacks and avoid quick movements. Most importantly try to keep your head still. To avoid further vertigo attacks, reduce stress, and get adequate sleep.

Dietary Supplements: Recommended nutrients include Vitamin B complex, vitamin B3 (niacin), B6 supplement, ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids, rutin, vitamin E, calcium, colane, and adrenal glandulars.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the assistance of a qualified health professional. The following professional treatments have all proved useful in treating vertigo: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, exercise, Chiropractic care, Caniosacral Therapy, environmental treatments, Hypnotherapy, Magnetic Field Treatment, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Qigong, Reflexology, and traditional Chinese medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)