This is a nasty condition that plagues many people.   The symptom of spinning dizziness may be mild or so severe that one cannot stand up.   Nausea is often a part of it. It is usually caused by an imbalance in the inner ear.   The causes might be traumatic, infectious, circulatory, or dietary.

 

Within the inner ear there are two parts: the cochlea (the hearing apparatus) and the semi-circular canals (the balance mechanism also called the labyrinth and the vestibule).   There are three semi-circular canals in each ear.   One is positioned in each plane like the sides of a box: Side, Back, and Bottom.   These allow us to stay oriented and aware of our position in space.   In other words, it helps us know which end is up.

 

Each canal is a hollow tube shaped like a ring, filled with fluid.   Near the bottom is a wide spot where there is a layer to hair cells, much like a flat hair brush.   Balanced on these hair cells is a small stone, called an “otolith”.   When we move, the fluid pushes the stone to one side and the movement of the hair cells is interpreted by the brain as motion.   Sometimes the little stone gets stuck or the fluid begins to move on its own and we have a sensation of spinning.   This is the mechanical cause behind vertigo.

 

Dietary things that aggravate vertigo are too much salt, too much alcohol, too much salty food like ham, bacon, chips, popcorn, etc.   Not enough water can also be a factor.   We always see a lot of vertigo around the holidays when people are over-eating salty food and not drinking enough water.   Everyday we should drink 1/3 to 1/2 our body weight in ounces of pure water(up to 100 oz per day).   Pop and coffee do not count as water and they may make the problem worse since they tend to be dehydrating.

 

When the innert ear is the cause of the problem, one can use Epley’s Maneuvers to recalibrate the stones in the semi-circular canals. To see a video of this go to the internet at https://www.youtube.com/, then enter “Epleys maneuver video”.   There will be several clips to show you what to do.

 

Start by lying on your back, then turn your head 45 degrees to the affected side and hold that position for 20-30 seconds.   Next turn your head to the other side at 45 degrees and hold that position for 20-30 seconds. Now roll over on your side keeping your head in the same position with respect to your body.   You will be looking at the floor.   Hold that position for 20-30 seconds.   Then sit up slowly.   If both ears are affected, repeat this process, starting with other side next time.   If you are not sure which side is affected most, just do the procedure in both directions.

 

This simple technique, with salt restriction and good hydration, will successfully manage about 80% of the cases of vertigo.   Homeopathic Cocculus 30 C can be added, one pellet every 30 to 60 minutes, to assist with moderate cases.   Prescription Antivert, Phenergan or Zofran for nausea, and Steroids may be needed for more severe cases. Chiropractic adjustments might be needed if there is a history or head or neck injury. Occasionally people need a referral to the balance center for more professional treatment.

 

 

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