Vertigo is an incurable condition that causes the illusion of movement. Vertigo may be the result of a few causes, such as damage to the inner ear such as with a condition called labyrinthitis or from debris in the inner ear. This debris is sometimes called ear rocks or ear crystals and is associated with a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. There is no cure for vertigo despite its causes, but exercises may reduce symptoms.
Eye Exercises
Trauma to the part of the inner ear called the vestibular labyrinth can cause this sensitive organ to send false signals to your brain, making you think you or your surroundings are moving when you aren't. Doing movement exercises with your eyes can help your brain adapt to these false signals and work around them to lessen vertigo. One eye exercise you can do is to hold your head steady and shift your eyes to look from right to left 20 times. Another similar exercise you can do is to look up and down 20 times. A third exercise you can do is to use your finger as a focal point and move your finger toward and then away from you. To do this exercise, hold one arm extended in front of you with your index finger raised. Look at your finger and keep it in focus as you bend your elbow and bring your finger toward your nose. Straighten your arm again, still keeping your finger in focus. Perform all of these exercises slowly and gradually increase speed as you can.
Walking Exercises
Other exercises you can do for vertigo caused by damage to the inner ear involve walking. Walking is a normal part of life, and yet it can be dangerous for people with vertigo. Doing walking exercises can help you adapt to false signals your brain might send you that could cause you to lose your balance and even fall. There is a risk of this happening during the exercises as well. One exercise you can do is to walk back and forth across a floor with your eyes open 20 times, and then try it with your eyes closed. You can do the same thing by walking up and down a hill with a slight incline or walking stairs. You should keep your eyes open in the beginning and then when you are ready, close your eyes.
Home Brandt-Daroff Exercise
BPPV may be treated in a doctor's office, at home and even with surgery. The home exercise sequence can be done alone. The Brandt-Daroff method is a four-part exercise to reposition the ear rocks out of the sensitive part of the ear canal. All you need is a bed or couch to sit and lie down on during the exercise. To perform the Brandt-Daroff exercise, begin by sitting on a bed and look straight ahead. You can use a mirror as a focus object to remind you of the direction you should look at during the exercise. Then, lie down on your right side and turn your head 45 degrees toward the ceiling so you can still see the mirror. Remain on your side for 30 seconds. Next, sit back up in the original position for 30 seconds. Lie down to the left and rotate your head 45 degrees toward the ceiling. Stay on your side for another 30 seconds. Finish the exercise by sitting up again.
