Vertigo is characterized as the recurrent and sudden sensation of dizziness or spinning. Also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, these episodes of dizziness or spinning can range in intensity from mild to severe and can manifest with almost any change in body posture, especially those that change the position of your head. Though troubling, vertigo isn't necessarily a cause for alarm. Doctors can often help minimize symptoms associated with this condition.
Posture Changes
Changing the posture of your neck can easily trigger the sensation of vertigo. When you bend or rotate your neck, you move your head down, up, right or left. Dislodged crystals within the otolith organs of the ear can move, explains the Mayo Clinic, which heightens your sensitivity to the change in your head's position. This leads to feelings of dizziness or spinning. Other postural changes can also contribute to the feelings of dizziness or spinning associated with vertigo. Bringing the body into a reclined position is one of the more common, but any sudden changes in body posture that alters the position of your head -- such as sitting down or bending over -- can shift the dislodged crystals and trigger vertigo.
Symptoms
Besides dizziness or spinning, it isn't uncommon for these sensations to be accompanied by nausea, lightheadedness, loss of balance and even vomiting. You may also experience a change in vision, where your surroundings become blurred or distorted. Sometimes, the sensation is so intense that you may fall.
Epley's Maneuver
The most effective form of treatment for vertigo is the Epley's maneuver, according to the National Institutes of Health. Your doctor or physical therapist can position your head in such a way that the dislodged crystals move to a location in the ear where they're absorbed back into the body. Once these crystals are gone, the hypersensitivity to movement subsides, and any changes in the posture of your neck shouldn’t trigger the sensations of dizziness or spinning.
Other Treatments
If the Epley's maneuver fails to improve symptoms of vertigo, a surgical procedure may be necessary to improve your condition. In this procedure, a bone plug is placed within your inner ear to prevent the movements of the dislodged crystals from affecting the semicircular canal in your ear. This should cause the dizziness to subside.
Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help lessen the effects of dizziness or spinning. Some of the more common drugs used for this condition include antihistamines, anticholinergics and sedative-hypnotics.
Self-Care
Though there isn't much you can do to correct vertigo yourself, taking steps to minimize the potential for falling can prevent injury associated with vertigo, says the Mayo Clinic. Make sure your environment is always well lit, be cognizant of the possibility of falling and take a seat as soon as you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
