Vertigo and Its Homeopathic Treatment
Vertigo or dizziness is not a disease, rather it is a symptom of an underlying disease. The term vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning or whirling or lack of balance that occurs as a result of a disturbance in the equilibrium (balance) of the body. Some other commonly used terms for vertigo are dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, and unsteadiness. In Hindi and many Indian languages, it is called chakkar (चक्कर)..
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Classification of Vertigo
There are two types of vertigo, such as:
- Subjective vertigo - This is mainly seen when the patient feels that he is moving/spinning
- Objective vertigo - This is mainly seen when the patient feels objects around him are moving or spinning
Some of the things that can worsen vertigo are moving the head, changing position, turning while lying down, etc. There may be certain other symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movements, etc.) associated with vertigo depending on the underlying disease.
Types of Vertigo
The brain (cerebellum) and inner ear help in maintaining equilibrium and balance in the body. There are two types of vertigo which are as follows:
- Peripheral vertigo - Peripheral vertigo results mainly due to inner ear issues. It occurs due to a problem in the inner ear which helps in maintaining a healthy balance. The inner ear forms the part of the vestibular system which helps in maintaining posture and balance.
- Central vertigo - Central vertigo is associated with problems related to the brain or cerebellum which helps in controlling the balance and posture of the body.
Causes of Vertigo (Dizziness):
Knowing the cause of vertigo can help eliminate the problem from its root. In some cases, the cause of vertigo may stay unknown. There are several causes of this health condition. The common causes of vertigo are as follows:
1. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is considered the most common. It occurs due to an inner ear vestibular nerve problem. The discomforts due to BPPV are commonly triggered by the slightest movement of the head, particularly when waking up in the morning.
2. Meniere's Disease
Meniere's Disease is commonly associated with an increase in air pressure in the ear causing tinnitus, recurrent episodes of vertigo, and partial hearing loss to some extent. Episodic vertigo is commonly observed in Meniere's Disease.
3. Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
Vertigo can result due to disorders of the vestibular system (structures in the inner ear), vestibular nerve, brainstem, or cerebellum; for instance, vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. This is commonly associated with inflammation of the nerve which connects the brain to the ear
4. Long-term medications and environmental conditions
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, and environmental conditions, such as strong sunlight or sudden loud noise, may also damage the structures of the inner ear or the nerves, thereby resulting in vertigo.
5. Addictions
Certain harmful addictions can lead to vertigo. Alcohol addiction can be the prominent cause of the condition. Also, addiction to smoking and narcotics can be the cause. Sudden withdrawal of alcohol or narcotics can also result in vertigo or fainting. Alcohol can induce vertigo in some people even when taken in small quantities.
6. Cardiovascular issues
Vertigo may also be associated with the causes of accelerated blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, cardiovascular disorders, stroke, or other cardiac-related issues where there is a lack of oxygen supply to the brain and the heart.
7. Musculoskeletal problems
Musculoskeletal issues such as cervical spondylosis, head or neck injuries, and multiple sclerosis also result in vertigo.
8. Migraine headaches
Severe and chronic cases of migraines are associated with vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and fainting attacks.
9. Hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations may cause vertigo which is commonly observed in females during menopause age. Vertigo resulting due to hormonal fluctuations is associated with decreased levels of estrogen. It is also observed in adolescent girls, particularly during menstruation.
10. Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
Vertigo is associated with a sudden dip in blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dl. A lack of glucose may cause the brain cells to die.
11. Depletion in hydration levels
A lack of water consumption may also result in fatigue and dehydration which may result in vertigo.
12. Mental health issues
Vertigo may also result due to stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Patients dealing with recurrent episodes of vertigo may suffer emotionally, physically, and psychologically. This may cause a major impact on their mental health.
Treatment
Treatment of vertigo has to be directed toward treating the underlying cause of the condition. Cases with BPPV (the most common form of vertigo) and labyrinthitis respond very well to Homeopathic treatment. Also, vertigo due to migraine or trauma (to the head or neck) responds well to homeopathic treatment.
It must be noted that, often, patients panic due to symptoms of vertigo, and this may only worsen the condition of the patient. Hence, stress can be a trigger in increasing the already existing symptoms. Homeopathy can also help to alleviate the anxiety associated with vertigo.
Certain rehabilitation exercises also help in controlling the symptoms and returning to normalcy. In the case of drug-induced vertigo, the medicine in question has to be stopped after proper evaluation.
Homeopathic treatment for Vertigo:
Homeopathy is strongly recommended for Vertigo. As discussed above, homeopathic medication will help the patients to get back to normalcy without having to bear any of the side effects of conventional medication.
It helps not only in controlling the intensity and frequency of the attacks of vertigo but also in alleviating the anxiety that is frequently associated with this condition. It improves the general immunity and vitality of the patient, apart from targeting the cause of vertigo. It helps in boosting the confidence of patients by promoting balanced mental health by eliminating the fear of vertigo.
Some of the commonly used homeopathic medicines for vertigo include Bryonia alba, Rhus toxicodendron, Gelsemium, Phosphorus, Lycopodium clavatum, Arnica montana, Veratrum album, Conium maculatum, Staphysagria, Pulsatilla nigra, and more.