Dizziness attacks can have various causes. Depending on this, different treatment methods are used. You can read what they are here.
Dizziness can have numerous causes. Since this is a symptom and not an independent disease, treatment is always based on the underlying trigger. The therapeutic approaches are correspondingly diverse. Some measures can also be easily implemented at home. We will introduce you to possible causes and helpful tips.
1. The Epley maneuver helps with benign positional vertigo
Benign positional vertigo, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPLS), is, according to the Zurich University Hospital the most common disease of the vestibular system. A sudden onset of rotary vertigo, which is triggered by certain head movements, is typical. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating or palpitations often occur. A dizziness attack usually lasts 30 to 60 seconds.
If BPLS is the cause of the symptoms, the so-called Epley maneuver can provide effective relief. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, this method aims to return tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear – called otoliths or “ear stones” – to their original position. Normally, these particles lie on fine sensory hairs and play a central role in the sense of balance. If you get into the wrong place, you may experience dizzy spells.
The Epley maneuver consists of a series of targeted movements and position changes, including head rotations and lying down and turning over. The exact procedure should first be instructed by a doctor. According to studies, up to 95 percent of those affected experience significant improvement within a few days, sometimes even within minutes. However, if the maneuver is performed incorrectly, the dizziness can worsen. Therefore it should only be used after consulting a doctor
2. Reduced salt consumption can prevent dizziness in chronic inner ear disease
Ménière’s disease can also cause dizziness. This is a chronic disease of the inner ear that… AOK is characterized by sudden attacks of vertigo. These are often accompanied by other symptoms such as tinnitus and increasing hearing loss.
During treatment, doctors often recommend a low-sodium diet. “It is assumed that an accumulation of inner ear fluid – the so-called endolymph – plays a role in this disease,” explains audiologist Dr. Julie Honaker told the Cleveland Clinic. Since salt promotes fluid retention in the body, reducing salt intake can help reduce endolymph accumulation. However, those affected should always implement appropriate measures in consultation with their doctor.
3. Prevent dizziness: Protect your ears
Although an acute attack of dizziness cannot be prevented by ear care, consistent hearing protection can reduce the risk of developing dizziness-related symptoms. Because prolonged or intense noise can damage the inner ear – a factor that is associated with dizziness.
Loud noises can also cause irreversible damage to the hair receptor cells in the inner ear. These are of central importance not only for hearing, but also for the sense of balance. If they are damaged, there is a risk of balance problems and long-term hearing loss.
To protect your ears, it is therefore advisable to watch television and music at a moderate volume, take regular breaks when using headphones and wear earplugs at loud events such as concerts. Suitable hearing protection should also be consistently used in noisy work environments.
When dizziness becomes an emergency
Before dizziness is treated, the cause should always be clarified by a doctor. Otherwise, there is a risk that self-treatment will not only be ineffective, but may even worsen the symptoms.
A dizziness attack can also be a medical emergency – especially if it occurs suddenly and intensely and is accompanied by other symptoms. These include, among other things, acute hearing loss, facial paralysis, feelings of weakness or numbness, slurred speech, hiccups or difficulty swallowing, and sudden onset of headaches or neck pain. In such cases, medical attention should be sought immediately.
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