Vertigo: What it is and how to overcome it

Vertigo is a common disorder that can have a lot of underlying reasons. It is not just the fear of heights, unlike what most people think. It is the feeling of dizziness and that everything around you is going to fall apart.

But what causes it? What are the types of vertigo? Are there any ways to overcome vertigo? We answer these questions here.

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is the false feeling of dizziness and that everything around you is spinning or moving, while you are stuck. It makes you lose balance and feel like you will fall.

Vertigo is not a disease. It is a condition that can be caused by a variety of reasons. It is quite a common condition, affecting more than 40% of Americans.

While a vertigo episode typically lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes, it can differ for different individuals. For people with severe cases, it can last for several hours, days or even weeks. Vertigo by itself isn’t a harmful condition for the body. But it can be related to a number of health risks. So inform your physician if you are experiencing vertigo quite often and for a prolonged time.

There are two types of vertigo:

Peripheral vertigo: Caused by problems in your inner ear.

Central vertigo: Caused by problems in the brain.

How to overcome vertigo?

Can you overcome vertigo at home? The answer is yes. These exercises can help.

1. Gufoni Maneuver

A quick and easy way to get over the effects of vertigo. Here’s how you do it:

• Start by being in a sitting position.

• Lie down rapidly on the affected side and hold it for a couple of minutes.

• Quickly turn your head at a 45-degree angle towards the ceiling and hold it again for a couple of minutes.

• Sit back up.

2. Epley Maneuver

Also known as the Canalith Repositioning Maneuver, this is the most common exercise to get over vertigo.

• To get started, you have to lie down on a flat surface by placing a pillow under your head, keeping your legs outstretched.

• Sit up and keep your back straight.

• Turn your head 45 degrees on your right.

• While your head is still turned around, quickly lie down on the pillow and hold it for 30 seconds.

• Without lifting your neck, turn your head 90 degrees to your left.

• Turn your whole body to the left side.

• Return to the starting position and gently sit back up.

3. Semont Maneuver

This is quite similar to the previous one, but requires less flexibility of the neck.

• Start by sitting upright on a flat surface, with a pillow behind, keeping your legs outstretched.

• Now lie down and turn to your right.

• Tilt your head to 90 degrees to look upwards.

• Next, sit up quickly and turn to your left, keeping your head to the left as well. This way, you should now be facing the ground.

• Now slowly return to your original sitting position and look ahead.

4. Zuma Maneuver

This exercise has been developed more recently in comparison to the other ones, but it is quite effective in dealing with vertigo.

• You have to start in a sitting position.

• Lie down on your affected side and hold the position for three minutes.

• Turn your head 90 degrees towards the ceiling and hold this for another three minutes.

• Next move your body so that you lie facing the ceiling. Rotate your head 90 degrees, look over the shoulder of the affected side and hold this position for three minutes as well.

• Now rotate your head back up and face the ceiling.

• Sit back up.

These home exercises can help relieve symptoms you face during vertigo attacks.