Vertigo or a feeling of spinning and lightheadedness, can limit a person’s activities and make them feel nauseous.
Although there are medications to treat vertigo, they are not always necessary, especially when natural treatments are also effective without side effects.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It occurs when small calcium deposits (tubules) become dislodged and move into the inner ear canal, affecting balance.
Although Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is not life-threatening, it can cause sudden, severe dizziness, nausea, and a spinning sensation (vertigo), especially when changing head position. However, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is treatable and many natural remedies can help control it.
What causes Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo symptoms are triggered by changes in the position of the head. When the head is still, gravity causes the otoconia in the ear to clump and settle. When the head moves, the otoconia shift and trigger the feeling of dizziness.
People with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo may experience symptoms from a number of common activities, including moving in bed, getting up from a sitting position, bending over, or looking up or down.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is often attributed to the following events and risk factors:
- Age-related deterioration: In people over 50, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is usually idiopathic, meaning it occurs for unknown reasons. However, it is often associated with the natural age-related deterioration of a part of the inner ear, called the otolithic membrane.
- Head trauma: The most common cause of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in people under 50 is head trauma, which is likely the result of a traumatic force that dislocates the otoconia.
- Other Vestibular Disorders: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is more likely to occur with other disorders of the vestibular system including Vestibular Neuronitis (an inner ear infection), Migraines, or sometimes after surgery.
- Other Risk Factors: Other conditions that may put a person at risk for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo include osteoporosis and osteopenia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, poor thyroid function, and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Idiopathic: If a person with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo does not have any of the above risk factors and has never had a concussion, their condition may be considered idiopathic (occurring for an unknown reason).
What Natural Remedies Can Control Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
7 natural remedies you can try to control Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo:
- Epley Maneuver: One of the most effective ways to treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is the Epley Maneuver, a series of head movements that help reposition dislodged calcium deposits. This simple exercise can be done at home or with the help of a healthcare professional.
- Brandt-Daroff exercises: These exercises help the brain correct incorrect balance signals caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. They involve sitting up straight and then quickly lying down on one side, holding the position, and repeating the movement on the other side.
- Ginger tea: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce dizziness and nausea. Drinking ginger tea or sucking on ginger candies can help reduce vertigo attacks.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen vertigo symptoms. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and inner ear system functioning properly.
- Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and ginger, can help reduce vertigo. People can inhale the scent, use it in a diffuser, or apply diluted essential oils to their temples for relief.
- Vitamin D supplements: Studies show that low vitamin D levels may contribute to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Taking vitamin D supplements or increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin D (such as fish, eggs, and dairy products) may help prevent recurrences.
- Avoid sudden head movements: Rapid or jerky head movements can cause dizziness. Moving slowly when changing positions, especially when getting up from bed, may help minimize symptoms.
