When you feel like you are spinning, you are dizzy. When it feels like the world is spinning around you, you’ve got Vertigo. There are many potential causes, some short-term and some long. Regardless of the cause, it is a miserably feeling. If you are seeking treatment for Vertigo in Placitas or the surrounding areas of Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, Abq, or Santa Fe give us a call or schedule online.
Treatment for Vertigo | Abq
Vertigo, that unpleasant sensation of the world spinning around you, can be downright debilitating. While it’s often associated with inner ear issues, the causes of vertigo can be surprisingly diverse. Let’s explore some of the potential culprits behind your dizzy spells:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
Imagine tiny crystals in your inner ear playing a mischievous game of Twister. That’s the essence of BPPV, where dislodged calcium carbonate particles send mixed signals to your brain about your head’s position, triggering vertigo with specific head movements like rolling over in bed.
The good news is, BPPV is easily diagnosed and often treated with simple repositioning maneuvers performed by a healthcare professional. Think of it as putting those ear crystals back where they belong!
2. Cervicogenic Vertigo:
Sometimes, the dizziness you feel originates not from your inner ear, but from your neck. Cervicogenic vertigo occurs when problems in your neck muscles or joints send faulty signals to your brain, mimicking the sensation of movement. Think of it as your neck confusing your brain about where you are in space.
Physical therapy and pain management techniques can often help calm things down in your neck and put a stop to those cervicogenic dizzy spells.
3. Inner Ear Infections:
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuronitis are inner ear infections that can inflame the delicate structures responsible for balance, leading to vertigo, nausea, and sometimes hearing loss. These infections are often viral in nature and usually resolve on their own within a few weeks, though medication can help manage symptoms in the meantime.
Remember:
While these are some common causes of vertigo, it’s important to note that the list is not exhaustive. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe vertigo, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and the right treatment plan. A doctor can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and determine the best course of action for getting you back on solid ground (or at least feeling like it!).
So, the next time the room feels like it’s doing the waltz, take a deep breath, assess the situation, and remember, there’s a reason for the whirl. With a little understanding and the right help, you’ll be back to feeling steady on your feet in no time!
The Epley Maneuver: A Simple Fix for Vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or spinning that can be very disorienting and debilitating. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including inner ear infections, migraines, and certain medications. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of vertigo that is caused by loose crystals in the inner ear. The Epley and modified Epley maneuvers are two simple and effective treatments for BPPV.
What is BPPV?
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) become dislodged from their normal location in the inner ear and move into one of the semicircular canals. These canals are filled with fluid that moves when you move your head. When the otoconia move into a canal, they disrupt the flow of fluid, which sends confusing signals to the brain about your body’s position. This can cause vertigo, nausea, and imbalance.
The Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver is a series of head and body movements that are designed to help the otoconia move out of the semicircular canal and back into their proper position. The maneuver is usually performed by a doctor or physical therapist, but it can also be done at home.
Here are the steps for the Epley maneuver:
- Sit on a firm surface with your legs outstretched.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the side affected by vertigo.
- Quickly lie back on your back, keeping your head turned.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Turn your head 90 degrees to the opposite side without moving your body.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Slowly roll onto your side, facing the floor.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up.
The Modified Epley Maneuver
The Modified Epley Maneuver
The modified Epley maneuver is a variation of the original Epley maneuver that is sometimes used if the original maneuver is not effective. The main difference between the two maneuvers is that the modified Epley maneuver does not involve lying on your back.
Here are the steps for the modified Epley maneuver:
- Sit on a firm surface with your legs outstretched.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the side affected by vertigo.
- Quickly lower yourself to the ground, keeping your head turned.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Turn your head 90 degrees to the opposite side without moving your body.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Slowly roll onto your side, facing the floor.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up.
Which Maneuver is Right for Me?
The Epley and modified Epley maneuvers are both safe and effective for most people with BPPV. Your doctor will recommend which maneuver is right for you based on the severity of your symptoms and the location of the otoconia.
Tips for Success
- It is important to perform the Epley or modified Epley maneuver exactly as instructed.
- You may experience some dizziness or nausea during the maneuver. This is normal and should subside within a few minutes.
- If your symptoms do not improve after one or two tries, see your doctor for further evaluation.
In addition to the Epley and modified Epley maneuvers, there are a few other things you can do to help manage BPPV:
- Avoid head movements that trigger your vertigo.
- Sleep with your head elevated on two or three pillows.
- Stay hydrated.