How To Prevent Dizziness

Diagnose. See your doctor to determine the cause of your dizziness. Dizziness is commonly associated with two inner ear disorders, paroxysmal postural vertigo (BPPV) and Méniére’s disease, but can also be caused by a few other conditions. Do not attempt to self-treat for BPPV or Méniére, unless you have been diagnosed by a doctor and are certain you have it. Treatments for these disorders will not work to relieve dizziness caused by other underlying problems. Here are a few other conditions that can lead to vertigo: ^[1]

• Other inner ear disorder symptoms such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis (inflammation and swelling of the inner ear)
• Head and ear trauma
• Migraine headache
• Decreased blood flow in the arteries that supply blood to the veins
• Brain tumors
• Due to strong impact
• Complications due to alcohol or drug use

See your doctor to determine which ear is causing the vertigo. You need to find out which side of your ear is the problem, because the treatment will vary depending on whether it is the left or right ear.

• Pay attention to when you get dizzy. If you feel dizzy when you lie on your right side, it could be that your right ear is affecting you. ^[2]
• If you can’t figure out which of your ears is the problem, see your doctor.

Try the Epley exercise if you have mild paroxysmal postural vertigo. The Epley exercise involves a series of head movements to help the liquefied crystals deep in the ear return to their original state. ^[3] Epley exercises can easily be performed by physiotherapists without the need for any special equipment. If done correctly, the Epley exercise is a very effective method for people with BPPV.

• After your doctor shows you how to do the Eplay exercise, you can do it on your own at home the next time you feel dizzy. You can watch videos online to learn how to adjust your head properly.
• Let the neck stabilize for 48 hours after the Epley exercise.
• Do not do Epley exercises if you are not sure if you have BPPV. In case you have an underlying problem, you need to make sure you get the proper treatment. ^[4]

Fluid regulation in the body for the treatment of Meniére’s disease. You can relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency of vertigo episodes caused by inner ear disorders by controlling your body’s water retention. Try the following methods:

• Limit consumption of salt and foods containing MSG.
• Consider taking a diuretic to reduce fluid retention.
• Try betahistine hydrochloride. This medication is thought to reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes by increasing blood flow around the inner ear. ^[5] This medication is primarily used to treat Méniére’s disease. Please consult your doctor for more information about this treatment.

Surgery. If conventional treatments don’t work, you can look to surgery to cure vertigo caused by an inner ear disorder. ^[6] One of the following disorders can be cured with surgery:

• BPPV
• Meniere’s disease
• Vestibular disorders
• Chronic labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear)

Elevate your head while sleeping. The most common type of vertigo is BPPV, which occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals in one part of the inner ear drift to another, disrupting balance and causing the uncomfortable, dizzying sensation of vertigo. . These crystals can pop out during the night when you move your head in certain ways, keeping your head slightly elevated while sleeping will prevent that from happening as often. ^{[7] [8]}

• When you sleep, you should lie on your back, not on your side or stomach, and should prop your pillow a little higher.

The head should not be lower than the shoulders. If you have BPPV, this condition can dislodge crystals in the inner ear and lead to dizziness. ^[9] It’s better to be careful with your body movements and take steps to avoid bending your neck too deeply.

• If you need to lift something, bend your knees to lower yourself instead of bending at the waist.
• Do not do movements that require inversions or forward bends.

Avoid stretching your neck. When you try to lengthen your neck, for example when you are trying to reach for something, it can cause the crystals to get out of place. Try not to stretch your neck upward. When the neck is stretched, move the head slowly; Don’t let your head shake.

Avoid sudden movements. Any jerky movement that causes head movement can lead to dizziness, especially when you’re in such a predisposed state. Avoid activities that cause your head to move around quickly.

• Do not ride roller coasters or ride horses that cause your head to jerk backwards and forwards.
• Avoid sports that cause sudden head movements. Try sports like swimming, walking, and running instead of high-impact sports.

Use ginger. Ginger cures many diseases, including some cases of dizziness. ^[10] Try to take ginger capsules daily, or eat some foods prepared with ginger. Ginger is a popular and very effective treatment for many people with vertigo.

Quit smoking. Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of vertigo treatments. ^[11] Limiting smoking and other tobacco use can help reduce the frequency and symptoms of vertigo.

Eye check. Signs of vertigo may be aggravated if vision is poor. ^[12] Get regular eye exams to make sure you always have healthy eyes. Make sure your eyeglasses or contact lenses work properly as prescribed.