What to Do When the World Starts Spinning

Have you ever felt as though you were on an unexpected merry-go-round without it being all fun and games? When the world suddenly starts spinning out of control, it can feel as if your balance has taken an abrupt and unwanted vacation. Vertigo can be disconcerting. Its unsettling symptoms quickly debilitate an otherwise pleasant day, leaving dizzy and disoriented feelings behind. But with proper strategies in place, you can stop its effects and return your world back upright and secure.

Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Unsplash

Understanding Vertigo

What causes vertigo to act so irrationally? Vertigo often arises due to issues in your inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance. Some causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease. These conditions, which might sound like something out of a medieval fantasy novel, are very real and manageable if understood and addressed promptly. Understanding its source will be your first step toward standing firmly on solid ground.

Quick Fixes to Regain Balance

One effective quick-fix is to perform the Epley Maneuver, which involves performing head movements designed to dislodge crystals in your inner ear that cause vertigo.

  • Sit on your bed and turn your head 45 degrees right. 
  • Lie back quickly while keeping your head turned. Wait about 30 seconds.
  • Turn 90 degrees left without lifting it, and wait another 30 seconds.
  • Turn both head and body 90 degrees left again and wait again for 30 seconds.
  • Sit up slowly.

Stay Hydrated

Sometimes the easiest solutions can be the most effective ones. Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness, so make sure that you are drinking enough fluids. Water or herbal teas without caffeine or alcohol could help. 

Focus on a Fixed Point

When everything around you seems to be moving rapidly, choose an object to focus on that will allow your brain to recalibrate and stabilize your vision. Doing this may help the process.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) 

VRT exercises involve training your brain to use other senses to compensate for an inner ear disorder. If vertigo is a frequent visitor, consulting a healthcare professional for a tailored VRT routine could prove invaluable.

Medication

Sometimes medication can help manage vertigo. Antihistamines and anti-nausea medicines may be recommended, but always run it past your healthcare provider first to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Consult an Audiologist

If your vertigo persists despite various treatments, consulting with an audiologist near me could be your next best step. Audiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating issues related to hearing and balance. This could include testing to establish the cause and providing  tailored treatments, such as advanced diagnostic tools or therapies designed to restore balance or lessen symptoms. 

Conclusion

Though vertigo may cause the world to spin out of control, it doesn’t need to keep you dizzy and disoriented for an indefinite period of time. From quick fixes such as Epley Maneuver and hydration to long-term strategies like VRT and medication, there are various strategies you can use in order to regain balance. When in doubt, always consult a healthcare provider in order to regain your equilibrium. Spin control has never been so achievable, or so necessary.

Comments are closed.

Navigate