Introduction: Hi everyone, I'm Dr. Cedrick, your self-care advocate, here to help you prevent chronic diseases. Today, I want to shed light on vertigo and discuss effective ways to manage it.
What is Vertigo? Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness that occurs without any movement. It happens when your senses send signals to your brain indicating that your body is off balance, even when it isn't. This condition can make you feel as though your surroundings are spinning around you. While vertigo itself is a symptom, it often accompanies or leads to other symptoms such as balance issues, dizziness, hearing loss, imbalance, ringing in the ears, nausea, and vomiting.
Types of Vertigo: There are two primary types of vertigo: peripheral and central.
Peripheral Vertigo: This is the most common type and is caused by problems in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for maintaining balance. The specific condition associated with peripheral vertigo is called paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Central Vertigo: This type of vertigo occurs due to issues in the brain. Various conditions can lead to central vertigo, including stroke, brain tumor, migraine, traumatic brain injury, infection, or even multiple sclerosis.
Can Physical Therapy Help? Physical therapy, specifically vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), can be beneficial in managing vertigo, depending on the underlying cause. VRT is a form of physical therapy that aids individuals with vertigo resulting from BPPV, head injuries, central nervous system lesions, and other undefined causes. However, it's important to note that VRT may not be effective for all types of vertigo. The objective is to help individuals identify triggers and prevent vertigo episodes.
Exercises for Vertigo: Certain repositioning exercises can help alleviate vertigo symptoms. Two common exercises are:
Epley Maneuver: Start by sitting upright at the edge of a bed. Turn your head about 45 degrees to the right and lie back quickly. Stay in this position for 30 seconds. Then, turn your head to the left, still at a 45-degree angle, and hold for 30 seconds. Finally, turn your head and body another 90 degrees to the left, lying on the bed, and maintain this position for 30 seconds. Slowly sit up and repeat the same movements on the opposite side, up to three times a day until vertigo subsides.
Brandt-Daroff Exercises: Begin by sitting upright on the edge of a bed. Turn your head about 45 degrees to the left and lie down on the right side of your body while maintaining the head angle. Hold this position for 30 seconds or until dizziness stops. Slowly return to the starting position, turn your head back to the center, and repeat the exercise on the opposite side.
Stress Management for Vertigo: Stress can trigger some conditions that cause vertigo. Developing effective coping strategies to navigate stressful circumstances can help reduce the frequency of vertigo episodes. Practices such as meditation, prayer, getting adequate sleep, and utilizing deep-breathing techniques are excellent starting points for stress management.
The Role of Nutrition: Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing vertigo. Simple dehydration can sometimes cause vertigo, so it's essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Additionally, research suggests that a lack of vitamin D can worsen symptoms in individuals with BPPV, the most common cause of vertigo. To ensure adequate vitamin D intake, incorporate foods like milk, orange juice, tuna, and egg yolks into your
Self-Care 7
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Question
Question: Which of the following conditions does not cause central vertigo?
Ototoxicity
Migraines
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
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