Vertigo and BalanceResources

What is Vertigo?

More than 36 million people (65%) of people in the U.S. aged 60 and older experience dizziness or loss of balance, often daily.

Spells of dizziness, spinning or swaying can be defined as Vertiginous conditions, often referred to as Vertigo. Vertigo is often triggered by the change in the position of your head and can last for minutes or hours. Unfortunately, these conditions are common, especially in older patients, and can increase falls, depression, social isolation, fear, and overall dysfunction - all contributing to poor health and outcomes. Dizziness is a major predictor of falls in the elderly, the leading cause of accidental death after the age of 65.9

There are a number of things that can cause these symptoms, especially as you age. Beyond inner ear issues, some common causes the general decline in vision and sensory systems, poor circulation, medications, and various diseases affecting the nervous system. Because there can be so many different causes of vertigo, it is important to consult with your doctor so you know what treatment might be right for you. 29% of older adults in the U.S. have fallen at least once in the last year, resulting in an estimated 29.0 million falls.

Symptoms of Vertigo

  • Spinning
  • Tilting
  • Swaying
  • Unbalance
  • Pulled in one direction

Types of Vertigo and their Causes

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

is the most commonly diagnosed vertiginous condition in the United States. Affecting at least 9% of adults aged 18 to 35 and seven times more older adults, BPPV symptoms tend to recur and worsen with age due to the decline of inner ear structures. Tiny calcium particles (canaliths) are dislodged from their normal location and collect in the inner ear and the signals it sends to the brain become confused relative to gravity.

Meniere's disease

is a disorder of the inner ear, which is believed to result from the accumulation of fluid and pressure changes in the ear. This condition can lead to episodes of vertigo, accompanied by tinnitus and hearing loss.

Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis

is an inner ear condition typically linked to infection, frequently viral in nature. The infection triggers inflammation in the inner ear, specifically around nerves that are critical for sending signals to the brain that help you balance.

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Vertigo may also occasionally be associated with other conditions, such as head or neck injury, brain problems like stroke or tumor, certain medications that damage the ear, and migraine headaches.

Treatment Options

Several treatment options are available for Vertigo conditions, but the type best for you depends on the cause and severity of your condition so please see your doctor for an official diagnosis to find the right treatment for you. (UCSFHealth.org)

Dietary Supplements

Nutrition plays a key role in getting a healthy supply of certain nutrients to the inner ear and vestibular system to protect inner ear cells and maintain circulation. It is difficult to get all of the essential vitamins and nutrients through your diet, so an easy solution is to buy a daily over-the-counter supplement. A multivitamin likely does not contain the essential ingredients so look for a specialized supplement with proven ingredients like, Ginkgo Biloba, B Complex, and Bioflavonoids. This treatment is exciting because it is relatively new and is much less expensive and low risk than going to the doctor to have them perform head movements or prescribe medications.

To learn more about the ingredients and science behind our Advanced Balance Support supplement go to our Science page.

Repositioning Maneuvers

There are several types of repositioning movements that can help alleviate vertigo symptoms. Each uses slightly different movements and angles to move crystal calcium deposits that may be loose out of the canal into an inner ear chamber where they will no longer cause vertigo. However, do not try these maneuvers at home as they could make vertigo symptoms worse. Visit your doctor or a trained physical therapist for them to lead you through the repositioning maneuvers that are right for you and your ears.

To learn more about repositioning maneuvers you can explore the Mayo Clinic’s resources here.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

To help improve the vestibular system, physical therapy known as vestibular rehabilitation is employed. This therapy strengthens the system that sends signals to the brain about body movements relative to gravity. Vestibular rehab is a recommended treatment option for those who experience repeated episodes of vertigo. The therapy helps other senses to compensate for vertigo and reduce the symptoms.

Medication

Medication can be given to relieve symptoms associated with vertigo such as motion sickness or nausea. Inflammation or infection-induced vertigo can be treated with antibiotics or steroids to reduce swelling and cure the infection but not often. Diuretics or water pills may be prescribed for Meniere's disease to alleviate the pressure resulting from fluid buildup.

Surgery

In rare cases where vertigo is caused by a severe underlying problem like a tumor or injury to the brain or neck, surgery may be required. Treatment for the underlying problem can help alleviate vertigo symptoms.

Balance Support

Loss of balance or orientation?

Lipo Flavonoid Advanced Balance Support is formulated with ingredients clinically shown to reduce the risk of vertigo-like symptoms related to poor inner ear health*

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