How to Stop Getting Vertigo: Treatment Options & Mythbusting

Alleviate the symptoms and frequency of vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation that the world is spinning or moving even though you are stationary. The dizziness associated with vertigo leads to nausea, balance problems, comprehension issues, and other complications. Vertigo may be diagnosed as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or it could be a symptom of an underlying disorder. To stop getting vertigo, it's necessary to find out what is causing the dizziness and receive the appropriate treatment. Read on to learn more about how to stop getting vertigo.

Method 1

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Proven Treatments

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1
Receive a diagnosis. Visit your doctor to determine what is causing your vertigo. Vertigo is often related to two inner ear disorders known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Méniére's disease, but it could be a number of other conditions. Don't try to treat yourself for BPPV or Méniére's disease unless you've received a diagnosis and are certain that's what you have. Treatments for these disorders won't work to mitigate vertigo caused by other underlying issues. Here are a few other conditions that may lead to vertigo:^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Other inner ear disorders such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
- Head injuries and ear injuries
- Migraine headaches
- Decreased blood flow in the arteries that supply blood to the vein
- Brain tumors
- Stroke
- Complications from drinking alcohol or taking medications
2
Have the doctor identify which ear is causing your trouble. You'll need to figure out which ear is causing the problem, since the treatment you get may be different depending on which side is affecting you.
- Pay attention to when you get dizzy. If you get dizzy when you roll to the right in bed, then it's probably your right ear that's affecting you.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}
- If you can't figure out which ear is causing the problem, ask your doctor.
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3
Try the Epley maneuver if you have BPPV. The Epley maneuver is a series of head movements that return the crystals that have come loose in your inner ear to the right place.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source} The Epley maneuver can be easily performed by a physician without any special equipment. The Epley maneuver is an effective treatment for BPPV when it is performed properly.
- Once your doctor shows you how to do the Epley maneuver, you can do it on your own at home next time you get vertigo. You may watch videos online to learn the different head adjustments to make.
- Stabilize your neck for the 48 hours after doing the Epley maneuver.
- Don't do the Epley maneuver if you aren't sure you have BPPV. If you have an underlying problem, you need to make sure you get the proper treatment.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}
4
Regulate body fluids to treat Méniére's disease. You can relieve symptoms and decrease the frequency of episodes of vertigo caused by this inner ear disorder by controlling your body's fluid retention. Try the following methods for doing so:^{[5]XResearch source}
- Limit salt consumption and foods with MSG.
- Consider taking diuretic medication that reduces fluid retention.
- Look into taking betahistine hydrochloride. This drug is said to reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks by raising blood flow around the inner ear.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} It is primarily used in the treatment of Méniére's disease. Ask your doctor for more information about this treatment.
5
Look into surgery. If nonsurgical treatments are ineffective, there are surgical procedures that can cure vertigo caused by certain inner ear disorders.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} If your vertigo is caused by one of the following disorders, it can be cured with surgery:
- BPPV
- Ménière's disease
- Vestibular neuronitis
- Chronic labyrinthitis
6
Sleep with your head propped up. The most common type of vertigo, BPPV, happens when tiny calcium carbonate crystals in one part of your inner ear float to another part of your inner ear, disrupting your equilibrium and triggering the uncomfortable dizzy sensation of vertigo. The crystals can get dislodged during the night when you move your head in certain ways, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated will prevent this from happening as often.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}^{[9]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Sleep on your back instead of your side or stomach, and prop your head up with an extra pillow while you're sleeping.
7
Don't lower your head beneath your shoulders. If you have BPPV, motions like this can dislodge the crystals in your inner ear and lead to vertigo.^{[10]XResearch source} It can help to become more aware of your body movements and take measures to avoid bending over.
- If you need to pick something up, bend your knees to lower yourself down instead of bending at the waist.
- Don't do exercises that require being upside down or bending forward.
The movement you use when you extend your neck, as when you're reaching for something, can cause the crystals to get dislodged, too. Try not to stretch your neck upward. When you do stretch your neck, move your head slowly; don't let your head bob around.
9
Avoid sudden movements. Any jerky movements you make that cause your head to move about can lead to vertigo, especially when you're particularly prone to getting it. Avoid activities that put you in a situation in which your head might move around quickly.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Don't ride roller coasters or other rides that cause your head to whip back and forth.
- Avoid sports that put you at risk of sudden head movements. Stick to swimming, walking and jogging instead of high-impact sports.
This cure-all superfood treats numerous ailments, including some instances of vertigo.^{[12]XResearch source} Take ginger capsule supplements on a daily basis, or eat some of the food by itself. Ginger is a common successful treatment for many vertigo-sufferers.
Stop smoking. Smoking tobacco has been shown to decrease the efficacy of treatments for vertigo.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} Cut back on smoking and using other tobacco products so you'll have fewer episodes of vertigo as well as less severe symptoms.
Dizziness spells can be much worse with poor eyesight.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Make sure your eyes are in the clear with regular checkups at your optometrist. Make sure that you have working glasses or contacts in an accurate prescription as well.

Method 2

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Possibly Effective Treatments

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Monitor your diet. Too much salt can aggravate some types of vertigo, endolymphatic hydrops or migraine-associated vertigo.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Psychological AssociationLeading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologistsGo to source} Limit your alcohol consumption and avoid smoking. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables, and try to cut the amount of sodium you have. Drink lots of water and be sure to include food rich in vitamins and minerals in your diet.
- Caffeine probably does not have an effect on tinnitus (ear-ringing sometimes associated with vertigo). It's usually best to stick to your current caffeine intake instead of making a dramatic change.
- Monitor your blood pressure if you have heart issues since it may lead to vertigo.
Many sufferers of vertigo symptoms have found that exercise is helpful in treating vertigo.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} Start slowly, and begin by moving your head slowly from side to side while standing. Easy stretches and walking also often help alleviate the symptoms of vertigo. You can also ask a healthcare professional for more specific exercises based on your specific type of vertigo. Using the wrong type of exercise can backfire, so it's best not to try them without a diagnosis.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to source}

Method 3

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Mythbusting

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Home remedies involving magnets are based on fads, not science. That may change in future, as early research has found that patients with vertigo react differently to the strong magnets in an MRI machine.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} This has not been developed into a treatment, or even a solid idea for one.
Swimmer's ear is a type of infection, usually treated with an antibiotic. Only take swimmer's ear medication if you have multiple symptoms of swimmer's ear, not just vertigo.

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Can your diet help with vertigo?
Jalpa Sheth
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Jalpa Sheth is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist and the Founder of Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness. With over seven years of experience, she specializes in weight management, medical nutrition therapy, sports nutrition, vegetarian and vegan nutrition, and wellness nutrition. She holds a Master’s degree in Health & Nutrition from Brooklyn College, CUNY, and a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, CDR.
Jalpa Sheth
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Expert Answer
Your diet can't stop vertigo directly, but it can help address medical conditions that lead to vertigo. For instance, if your blood pressure is a concern that's leading to your vertigo, adjusting your diet to help your blood pressure or your overall heart condition could be useful.
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