Dizziness is an often seen problem.  When people speak about dizziness they use this term for both the feeling of lightheadedness or instability (dizziness) and the sensation of spinning (Vertigo). In this article we will discuss how to treat vertigo. The definition of Vertigo is: the feeling that your world is spinning around while you’re standing still. More females than males suffer from vertigo, the prevalence is increasing with age.

Vertigo is not a primary disease but always a secondary symptom. Vertigo can be subdivided in peripheral vertigo and central vertigo, which point in the direction of the cause. Causes of peripheral vertigo can be benign paroxysmal position dizziness, meniere’s disease and side effects of medicines. Causes of central vertigo are for example stroke, migraine headaches and multiple sclerosis. By far the most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The term vertigo is also used for motion sickness.

Treatment of Vertigo

The treatment of vertigo depends on the cause. Typical, vertigo is accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting and tinnitus (a wheezing sound in your ear). Treatment is in most cases directed against these secondary symptoms. Against nausea and vomiting an antiemetic like metoclopramide can be effective. BPPV is a problem in the inner ear, there is a mispositioning of calcium carbonate crystals, also called otoconia. This particles are sensing the position of your head. When the otoconia are in the wrong position, they send wrong information about the position of your head and you get the feeling your head is spinning.

Vertigo caused by BPPV is treated by the Epley manouver,this maneuver is performed by a doctor or is thought to performe at home. It consist of different positions of your head while you’re laying down. The Epley maneuver is repositioning your otoconia and thereby solving the vertigo.

How to treat Vertigo with Medication

Groups of medicines that can be effective to treat vertigo are for example an antihistamine, anticholinergics, calcium chanel antagonists and GABA modulators like Gabapentin and Baclofen. For motion sickness Scopolamine transdermal patch are widely used. Vertigo can also be caused by an infection of the inner ear, in this case a treatment with antibiotics is necessary. the effects of medical treatment for vertigo is unsure.The effects differ from person to person and so do the side-effects.

It is important to evaluate the effects during the treatment of Vertigo and to see if the side effects still worth the benefits. Instead of a medical treatment some people choose for a natural solution. Natural treatment of vertigo is for example ginger and ginkgo biloba. Important is to always consult a doctor with your vertigo problems.