Relieve the Most Common Form of Vertigo at Home
Dizziness or vertigo is the third leading cause of an emergency room visit. It may be responsible for up to 11% of emergency room visits. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo many account for up to 42% of the cases of vertigo. This is a very distressing symptom that I have had myself. I was walking into a building and it hit suddenly. In an instant, I was nauseated and spinning. I could barely get into the building.
The name is complicated but descriptive.
Benign-It causes no lasting damage.
Paroxysmal-It comes in spells that often recur
Positional-It is worse with movement
Vertigo- A spinning sensation as opposed to lightheadedness.
A series of movements called the Epley manuever can revieve you quickly. The quote below is from a Johns Hopkins Website.
“What happens during the home Epley maneuver?
You may find it helpful to watch a video of the home Epley maneuver first. Or read a brochure with pictures.
Your healthcare provider will tell how often to do this procedure. He or she may ask you to do it 3 times a day until your symptoms have been gone for 24 hours. Your healthcare provider will also tell if your right or left ear is causing your symptoms.
Follow these steps if the problem is with your right ear:
Start by sitting on a bed.
Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
Quickly lie back, keeping your head turned. Your shoulders should now be on the pillow, and your head should be reclined. Wait 30 seconds.
Turn your head 90 degrees to the left, without raising it. Your head will now be looking 45 degrees to the left. Wait another 30 seconds.
Turn your head and body another 90 degrees to the left, into the bed. Wait another 30 seconds.
Sit up on the left side.
Follow these steps if the problem is with your left ear:
Start by sitting on a bed.
Turn your head 45 degrees to the left.
Quickly lie back, keeping your head turned. Your shoulders should now be on the pillow, and your head should be reclined. Wait 30 seconds.
Turn your head 90 degrees to the right, without raising it. Your head will now be looking 45 degrees to the right. Wait another 30 seconds.
Turn your head and body another 90 degrees to the right, into the bed. Wait another 30 seconds.
Sit up on the right side.”
Bill, I’m so glad you are writing about vertigo and tinnitus. Such a common problem and so easy to diagnose most of the time, very difficult to diagnose rarely. So, it’s both a horse and a zebra. In my practice, I was surprised to discover among the older set how often ear waxy build up was associated with vertigo. Not supposed to be, but is. I hope you’ll write more on this subject. Best, David
I remember that my mother, in her late 80's, learned to do this. And it worked. So simple.