Vertigo is a false sense of spinning or movement, and some people feel the room turning, while others feel unsteady on their feet. These symptoms appear when the inner ear or brain has trouble processing balance signals. Balance disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, and Ménière’s disease. Here are some treatment paths:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy targets the strength, flexibility, and coordination behind steady movement, and it begins with an assessment. A therapist checks your gait, posture, and reaction to head movements. If neck stiffness or leg weakness adds to your dizziness, the therapist may address those issues first.
Since some vertigo comes from loose crystals in the inner ear, therapists may use repositioning maneuvers. These maneuvers move your head through a set of positions, and each one is held for a short period. Mild dizziness during the maneuver is normal. Your therapist may also teach you a version to do at home.
Prescribed Medications
Medications treat symptoms rather than the root cause in many cases. When vertigo attacks are severe, a provider may prescribe short-term medicine to ease spinning and nausea. Some options calm the inner ear, and others reduce vomiting or motion sensitivity. Your provider will choose an option based on your diagnosis and health history, and medication categories include:
- Antihistamines for motion-related dizziness
- Nausea medicines for vomiting during attacks
- Diuretics to lower fluid buildup in the inner ear
- Steroids for sudden inflammation of the balance nerve
Since some of these medicines cause drowsiness, you may need to avoid driving while taking them. Long-term use may slow your brain’s natural adjustment to balance problems. Tell your provider about your other medications, and ask how long you should take the prescription. Report side effects like confusion or a racing heart right away.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Training
Vestibular rehabilitation is a focused exercise program, and it trains your brain to handle balance signals. A therapist designs the exercises around your specific symptoms. When the inner ear sends faulty signals, the brain learns to rely more on vision and body awareness.
Gaze stabilization exercises may form one part of the program. You focus on a fixed target, and you move your head from side to side. While your head is in motion, these drills help your eyes stay steady. Later stages add balance drills on foam pads and walking drills with head turns.
While the exercises may briefly increase dizziness, this reaction is a normal part of the process. You perform most drills at home, and a therapist checks your progress every week or two. Daily practice matters more than long sessions.
Surgical Procedures
Surgery is rare for vertigo, and most patients never need it. Providers may try therapy and medication first. If symptoms persist for months, an ear, nose, and throat specialist may discuss surgical options. Procedures may include:
- Canal plugging to block part of the inner ear
- Procedures to relieve fluid pressure
- Labyrinthectomy to remove balance function in one ear
Get Treatment for Vertigo
Vertigo has many causes, and treatment depends on the source of your symptoms. When sudden dizziness disrupts your day, a clinic offers evaluations. Medical providers check your symptoms and arrange specialist referrals. Call 911 for dizziness with slurred speech, facial drooping, or weakness on one side.
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