Alternative Treatments for Vertigo

Older adults may have occasional dizziness resulting from medication side effects, low blood sugar or blood pressure issues but in some cases may be the caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).   The disorder often goes undiagnosed if it corrects itself but some may suffer with vertigo for long periods of time and symptoms can be severe enough to send people to the emergency room thinking they are having a stroke.

According to a recent New York Times report, in this type of vertigo, tiny crystals of calcium carbonate loosen within the inner ear and send false messages to the brain that cause dizziness.  With age, the proteins that prevent the crystals from becoming dislodged form a weaker bond and as result the condition is most commonly seen in patients over the age of 60.

The floating crystals cause a spinning sensation that can induce nausea and increase the risk for falls.  A change in head position such as bending over, laying back or even rolling over in bed can bring on an attack.

Often this type of vertigo is treated with anti-nausea medication which may calm the spinning but never completely stop the vertigo.  There are also several repositioning maneuvers used to treat BPPV , including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, the Semont maneuver and the Epley maneuver which have had very good success helping to shift crystals floating in the inner ear back into place with the use of gravity.

The maneuvers are usually performed by a trained physician or physical therapist but more recently at-home methods have been found to achieve good results as well.   A doctor can confirm the source of vertigo or other dizziness and make treatment recommendations.   Anyone with an existing cervical spine injury or for whom the head cannot be moved safely should avoid this treatment.   Always consult a doctor before taking any action.

To learn more about BPPV and other causes of vertigo visit the Johns Hopkins Medicine website at the following link: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/vestibular/conditions/benign_paroxysmal_positional_vertigo.html.