Vertigo is a condition that causes dizziness or a sensation of falling. In addition to medication, experts are now recommending exercise as a better treatment option for this oftentimes debilitating disease.
Understanding Vertigo
There are two types of vertigo: central and peripheral. Central vertigo accounts for about 20% of all cases and is caused by an issue in the brain. Peripheral vertigo is the result of an issue with the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
The most common cause of peripheral vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It occurs when the calcium-carbonate crystals in the inner ear, which are instrumental in your ability to balance, become dislodged.
How Exercise Can Help
Multiple studies have found that adult patients with chronic dizziness see an improvement in their vertigo symptoms when completing exercise-based vestibular rehabilitation. Below is a look at the two most common exercises your doctor may recommend as part of your vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
Epley Maneuver
This series of movements is designed to help to reposition the calcium-carbonate crystals in your inner ear.
- Sit on the edge of your bed.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
- Lie back on your bed quickly.
- Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the left.
- Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
- Turn your head 90 degrees, into the bed.
- Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
- Sit up slowly.
While simple, it is important to only perform the Epley maneuver after your doctor has explained the steps and walked you through the process.
Brandt-Daroff Exercises
This series of movements involves moving from a lying to a sitting position and should be done on a couch or bed.
- Sit on the edge of your bed.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the left.
- Lower the right side of your body. Make sure to keep your head in the same position.
- Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
- Return to the original sitting position.
- Repeat this exercise on the other side.
Additional Vertigo Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of your dizziness, your doctor may recommend a variety of other treatment options:
- Antihistamines or antiemetics are used to help reduce motion sickness and corresponding nausea.
- Antibiotics are prescribed to treat a bacterial ear infection, which may lead to dizziness.
If you are tired of experiencing episodes of dizziness while out running errands or grabbing a coffee at Mudleaf Coffee, exercise-based vestibular rehabilitation may be right for you. Contact the experts at Sharp Hearing – The Audiology Center today to learn more.
