Vertigo support

What is Vertigo support?

Vertigo is not just dizziness — it is a specific sensation of movement, typically spinning, that occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the balance system. The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), in which calcium crystals become displaced in the inner ear.

Vestibular neuritis and Meniere's disease are other common causes. Treatment depends significantly on the underlying cause, making accurate diagnosis important.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of vertigo include:

• A spinning sensation — the room moving around you, or you moving relative to the room
• Nausea and vomiting during attacks
• Balance difficulties and unsteadiness
• Triggered or worsened by head movements

In Meniere's disease, episodes are typically accompanied by tinnitus, a sense of ear fullness, and fluctuating hearing loss. Anxiety about falls and the unpredictability of attacks is common.

How therapy can help

Effective approaches for vertigo depend on the underlying cause:

• Physiotherapy with vestibular rehabilitation — including the Epley manoeuvre for BPPV and vestibular exercises; the primary treatment
• Nutritional therapy — dietary modification (particularly sodium restriction) is important in Meniere's disease
• Acupuncture — used supportively with some evidence for vestibular conditions
• Craniosacral therapy and osteopathy — used by some practitioners for vestibular support
• CBT and mindfulness — address the anxiety and avoidance that develop following vertigo episodes
• Chiropractic — addresses cervicogenic (neck-related) dizziness

Seeking help

Vertigo warrants medical diagnosis before commencing treatment, as the cause determines the most appropriate approach. New onset severe vertigo, vertigo with neurological symptoms, or vertigo following head injury requires urgent medical assessment.

Therapies that may help with Vertigo support