Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHome RemediesOTC TherapiesPrescriptionsSurgeries and ProceduresCAM
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Home Remedies
OTC Therapies
Prescriptions
Surgeries and Procedures
CAM
Vertigocan be treated with a wide range of options. The same treatment doesn’t work for everyone. The type of treatment you need depends on the cause of your problem. In some cases, the issue resolves on its own.
Some of the most common treatments include lifestyle changes, prescriptions, and certain therapy methods. They may be used to correct the issue or reduce symptoms. They can also address a bigger health issue that is making you feel vertigo symptoms.
This article describes the diverse ways to treat vertigo. These treatments include home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) options, prescription drugs, and surgery. It also explains complementary and alternative treatments.
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Home Remedies and Lifestyle
Self-treatment for vertigo includes herbal remedies, the Epley maneuver, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes. Discuss these methods with a healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for you and the condition triggering your vertigo symptoms.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
The following home remedies have been proven to improve symptoms of vertigo for some people:
Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver is a specific set of head movements that moves the particles causing symptoms from the fluid-filled semicircular canals of your inner ear to an area where they won’t cause problems.
Dietary Modifications
The following dietary modifications are advised for people with vertigo:
Strategies to Avoid Symptoms
You may be able to avoid vertigo triggers and prevent symptoms with the following strategies:
Lifestyle Changes
The following lifestyle changes can help reduce vertigo symptoms:
Is Vertigo Treatment Necessary?In about 50% of people who have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, symptoms go away within one to three months with or without treatment. However, it can be hard to cope with the prospect of waiting it out. Conservative treatments like lifestyle changes and neck and head maneuvers can reduce the time you have to deal with the potentially debilitating symptoms of vertigo.
Is Vertigo Treatment Necessary?
In about 50% of people who have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, symptoms go away within one to three months with or without treatment. However, it can be hard to cope with the prospect of waiting it out. Conservative treatments like lifestyle changes and neck and head maneuvers can reduce the time you have to deal with the potentially debilitating symptoms of vertigo.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies
Acute vertigo can be treated with some types of over-the-counter medication. They typically are used for short-term purposes.
Vestibular Suppressants
Vestibular suppressants used to treat vertigo include antiemetics, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines.
Antiemetics
Antiemetics are drugs commonly used to relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The following antiemetics are used to treat vertigo:
Antihistamines
The following prescription antihistamines are used to treat vertigo:
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs commonly prescribed as antidepressants. However, they also act as vestibular suppressants in small doses and can effectively treat motion sickness. They can also help reduce the feelings of panic and anxiety that can occur with vertigo.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics include drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter used in muscular contractions. It is also involved in regulating certain biological functions, including digestion and urination. The most effective anticholinergic for vertigo is Transderm Scop (scopolamine), delivered via a transdermal patch.
Diuretics
Can Medications Help Treat Dizziness?
Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures
Certain procedures and surgeries can address some of the causes of vertigo.
Specialist-Driven Procedures
These procedures correct or destroy certain mechanical problems that contribute to vertigo. Specialist-driven procedures used to treat vertigo include the following:
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
The movements used in vestibular rehabilitation therapy retrain your brain to recognize and process signals from yourvestibular system. The body learns to use these signals and coordinates them with information from your vision and proprioception (your sense of your body’s location and movement), so you can maintain balance and coordination.
Semont Maneuver
The Semont maneuver is a set of exercises done with the help of a healthcare provider or physical therapist. This technique is used to treat BPPV. It involves moving your head firmly into different positions. The goal is to move the canaliths (crystal debris) out of the semicircular canal and into the inner ear, where they won’t cause symptoms.
Surgeries
Surgery is used as a last resort to treat vertigo. There are few times when surgery is appropriate. It is often reserved to treat severe and debilitating cases of vertigo.
The type of surgery used depends on your diagnosis and the underlying cause of your vertigo. Surgery can be done to correct inner ear function. It can also stop the production or transmission of sensory information from the inner ear to the brain.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Some people find relief from vertigo with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments. These therapies include the following.
Acupressure
Acupressureis a type of massage based on thetraditional Chinese medicinepractice ofacupuncture. Acupressure involves putting pressure on certain locations, called acupoints, on your body.
Putting pressure on acupoints can improve your blood flow and help your muscles relax. The procedure can be done at home if you learn the right acupoints.
Acupressure on the acupoint P-6, called Neiguan, can help relieve nausea and prevent vomiting. It is found on your inner arm near your wrist. An acupuncturist can perform the technique or teach you the right way to do it yourself.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractorswith certification in vestibular rehabilitation may be best suited to help patients with vestibular disorders.
Tai Chi
Chiropractors vs. Physical Therapists: Differences and How to Choose
Summary
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for vertigo. The best treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms. Getting an accurate diagnosis can help you find the right treatment.
Treatment for vertigo can correct a problem, reduce symptoms, or address a bigger health concern. Many cases of vertigo improve with treatments that have few side effects. Changing your diet, increasing water intake, and certain movement programs can help relieve dizziness. A wide range of drugs can also work. When these treatments don’t improve symptoms, surgery may be an option.
Generally, vertigo lasts between one and three months. For some people, the problem may correct itself without treatment, though it may recur at a later time.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Rochester Medical Center.Ginger.Sokolova L, Hoerr R, Mishchenko T.Treatment of vertigo: a randomized, double-blind trial comparing efficacy and safety of ginkgo biloba extract egb 761 and betahistine.Int J Otolaryngol. 2014;2014:682439. doi:10.1155/2014/682439Slomski A.Vitamin D and calcium prevent recurrent vertigo.JAMA.2020;324(16):1599. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.18695Mercy Health.Epley maneuver.Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Canalith repositioning procedure (for BPPV).Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Dietary considerations.Cedars-Sinai.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.Kim SK, Kim JH, Jeon SS, Hong SM.Relationship between sleep quality and dizziness.PLoS One. 2018;13(3):e0192705. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0192705Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.Dizziness related to anxiety and stress.InformedHealth.org.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: what can you do if you have BPPV?Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2020.Harvard Health Publishing.Spinning out of control: vertigo.Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Medication.Muncie HL, Sirmans SM, James E.Dizziness: approach to evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(3):154-162.Mount Sinai.Diagnosis and treatment for meniere’s disease.Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).Vestibular Disorders Assciation (VeDA).Surgical procedures for vestibular dysfunction.University of Michigan Health.Epley and Semont maneuvers for vertigo.Flores García M de L, Llata Segura C de la, Cisneros Lesser JC, Pane Pianese C.Endolymphatic sac surgery for ménière’s disease – current opinion and literature review.Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017;21(2):179-183. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599276Alessandrini M, Napolitano B, Micarelli A, de Padova A, Bruno E.P6 acupressure effectiveness on acute vertiginous patients: a double blind randomized study.J Altern Complement Med. 2012;18(12):1121-1126. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0384 Keep although from 2012Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Chiropractic for the treatment of vestibular disorders.Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Tai chi for balance.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Ginger.Sokolova L, Hoerr R, Mishchenko T.Treatment of vertigo: a randomized, double-blind trial comparing efficacy and safety of ginkgo biloba extract egb 761 and betahistine.Int J Otolaryngol. 2014;2014:682439. doi:10.1155/2014/682439Slomski A.Vitamin D and calcium prevent recurrent vertigo.JAMA.2020;324(16):1599. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.18695Mercy Health.Epley maneuver.Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Canalith repositioning procedure (for BPPV).Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Dietary considerations.Cedars-Sinai.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.Kim SK, Kim JH, Jeon SS, Hong SM.Relationship between sleep quality and dizziness.PLoS One. 2018;13(3):e0192705. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0192705Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.Dizziness related to anxiety and stress.InformedHealth.org.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: what can you do if you have BPPV?Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2020.Harvard Health Publishing.Spinning out of control: vertigo.Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Medication.Muncie HL, Sirmans SM, James E.Dizziness: approach to evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(3):154-162.Mount Sinai.Diagnosis and treatment for meniere’s disease.Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).Vestibular Disorders Assciation (VeDA).Surgical procedures for vestibular dysfunction.University of Michigan Health.Epley and Semont maneuvers for vertigo.Flores García M de L, Llata Segura C de la, Cisneros Lesser JC, Pane Pianese C.Endolymphatic sac surgery for ménière’s disease – current opinion and literature review.Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017;21(2):179-183. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599276Alessandrini M, Napolitano B, Micarelli A, de Padova A, Bruno E.P6 acupressure effectiveness on acute vertiginous patients: a double blind randomized study.J Altern Complement Med. 2012;18(12):1121-1126. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0384 Keep although from 2012Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Chiropractic for the treatment of vestibular disorders.Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Tai chi for balance.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Ginger.
Sokolova L, Hoerr R, Mishchenko T.Treatment of vertigo: a randomized, double-blind trial comparing efficacy and safety of ginkgo biloba extract egb 761 and betahistine.Int J Otolaryngol. 2014;2014:682439. doi:10.1155/2014/682439
Slomski A.Vitamin D and calcium prevent recurrent vertigo.JAMA.2020;324(16):1599. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.18695
Mercy Health.Epley maneuver.
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Canalith repositioning procedure (for BPPV).
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Dietary considerations.
Cedars-Sinai.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Kim SK, Kim JH, Jeon SS, Hong SM.Relationship between sleep quality and dizziness.PLoS One. 2018;13(3):e0192705. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0192705
Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.Dizziness related to anxiety and stress.
InformedHealth.org.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: what can you do if you have BPPV?Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2020.
Harvard Health Publishing.Spinning out of control: vertigo.
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Medication.
Muncie HL, Sirmans SM, James E.Dizziness: approach to evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(3):154-162.
Mount Sinai.Diagnosis and treatment for meniere’s disease.
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT).
Vestibular Disorders Assciation (VeDA).Surgical procedures for vestibular dysfunction.
University of Michigan Health.Epley and Semont maneuvers for vertigo.
Flores García M de L, Llata Segura C de la, Cisneros Lesser JC, Pane Pianese C.Endolymphatic sac surgery for ménière’s disease – current opinion and literature review.Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017;21(2):179-183. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599276
Alessandrini M, Napolitano B, Micarelli A, de Padova A, Bruno E.P6 acupressure effectiveness on acute vertiginous patients: a double blind randomized study.J Altern Complement Med. 2012;18(12):1121-1126. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0384 Keep although from 2012
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Chiropractic for the treatment of vestibular disorders.
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).Tai chi for balance.
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