Experiencing the room spinning around you, feeling unsteady, or dealing with sudden dizziness that makes getting out of bed feel impossible? You're likely suffering from vertigo. The good news? Most cases can be successfully treated with proper diagnosis and therapy, often providing relief within days.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about vertigo treatment, including types, causes, symptoms, effective treatments (including the Epley maneuver for BPPV), vestibular rehabilitation exercises, and prevention strategies. At PhysioNutra Clinic, we've helped hundreds overcome vertigo using evidence-based techniques.
Understanding Vertigo
Vertigo isn't just dizziness – it's a specific sensation of spinning or movement when you're still. It indicates a problem with your vestibular system in your inner ear and brain that controls balance.
Key Facts About Vertigo:
- Affects 40% of people at some point in life
- BPPV accounts for 50% of all vertigo cases
- 80-90% of BPPV cases resolve with one Epley maneuver
- Most cases treatable without medication or surgery
- Women 2-3 times more likely than men
Types of Vertigo
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
Most common type (50% of cases). Caused by calcium crystals dislodging in inner ear. Brief episodes triggered by head movements. Highly treatable with Epley maneuver.
Vestibular Neuritis
Inflammation of vestibular nerve, usually viral. Causes sudden severe vertigo lasting days. Treated with vestibular rehabilitation.
Meniere's Disease
Inner ear fluid buildup. Episodes last hours with hearing loss and ringing. Requires lifestyle management.
Symptoms of Vertigo
- Spinning sensation (you or room spinning)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance and unsteadiness
- Abnormal eye movements
- Sweating and paleness
- Ear fullness or ringing (some types)
- Sudden severe vertigo with severe headache
- Double vision or vision loss
- Difficulty speaking or weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
These could indicate stroke or serious neurological condition.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Epley Maneuver (BPPV)
Gold standard for BPPV. Series of head movements repositioning crystals. 80-90% success in single session. Takes 10-15 minutes.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Specialized exercises improving balance and reducing dizziness. Includes gaze stabilization, balance training, habituation exercises.
Balance Exercises
Retrain brain's balance system. Standing balance, dynamic training, visual tracking, proprioceptive exercises.
Habituation Therapy
Repeated exposure to trigger movements reducing sensitivity. Brain adaptation through repetition.
Medication (Short-term)
Anti-nausea meds, vestibular suppressants for acute phase only. Not for long-term use as they delay recovery.
Lifestyle Changes
Hydration, low-sodium diet (Meniere's), stress management, adequate sleep, limit caffeine/alcohol.
The Epley Maneuver: How It Works
Epley Maneuver Steps:
- Sit upright with legs extended
- Turn head 45° toward affected ear
- Lie back quickly with head hanging (may trigger vertigo)
- Hold 30-60 seconds
- Turn head 90° to opposite side, hold 30-60 seconds
- Roll body onto side, hold 30-60 seconds
- Slowly return to sitting
Important: Should be performed by trained physiotherapist initially.
- Stay upright rest of day
- Sleep semi-reclined (45°) for 1-2 nights
- Avoid sleeping on affected side for 1 week
- No rapid head movements for 24-48 hours
Home Exercises for Vertigo
1. Brandt-Daroff Exercises
Sit on bed edge. Lie quickly to one side with nose up 45°. Stay 30 seconds. Return to sitting. Repeat opposite side. Do 5 reps each side, 3 times daily.
2. Gaze Stabilization
Hold target at arm's length. Keep eyes focused while moving head side to side (20 times) then up/down (20 times). Gradually speed up.
3. Standing Balance
Stand feet together, arms at sides. Progress: eyes open → eyes closed → foam pad → tandem stance. Hold each 30 seconds.
Recovery Timeline
BPPV: 80-90% resolve after 1 Epley maneuver. Total resolution: 1-3 weeks. Recurrence rate: 15-20% annually.
Vestibular Neuritis: Acute phase 3-7 days. Improvement 2-6 weeks. Full compensation 3-6 months.
Meniere's: Chronic condition requiring ongoing management. Symptom control 2-4 weeks with treatment.
Prevention Strategies
Prevent Recurrence:
- Move slowly, avoid sudden head movements
- Sleep with head elevated (2-3 pillows)
- Stay hydrated (8-10 glasses daily)
- Manage stress with relaxation techniques
- Regular exercise for balance
- Consider Vitamin D supplementation
- Avoid personal triggers
- Continue maintenance exercises 2-3x weekly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to cure vertigo?
Can vertigo be cured permanently?
What triggers vertigo attacks?
How do I know if my vertigo is serious?
Can I do the Epley maneuver at home?
Does vertigo ever go away on its own?
Is walking good for vertigo?
Get Expert Vertigo Treatment Today
Don't let vertigo control your life. Our vestibular rehabilitation specialists can help you regain balance and confidence. Most BPPV patients experience complete relief in their first session.