Vertigo -- the sensation that you are spinning -- is usually caused by BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. According to MayoClinic.com, BPPV is rarely dangerous, but may increase your chances of falling. Seek immediate medical care if vertigo is accompanied by loss of vision or hearing, severe headache, weakness, fainting, numbness or a fever of over 101 degrees F. Some people turn to homeopathic remedies, such as Conium maculatum, to treat vertigo. Ask your doctor before using any homeopathic remedy.
BPPV Features
The vertigo, dizziness and lightheadedness of BPPV may cause you to feel unsteady or off balance. You may also experience blurred vision, nausea or vomiting. Symptoms may occur when you're lying down, moving your head, or when standing and walking. Symptoms can come and go. See your doctor if you have unexplained vertigo for more than a week. Doctors can treat BPPV with simple head repositioning techniques performed in-office.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathic medicine, founded by Samuel Christian Hahnemann, M.D., in the late 18th century, is based on the principle of "like cures like," also called the Law of Similars. In an attempt to stimulate the immune system, tiny amounts of a substance are given that, in larger doses, would cause the same symptoms to occur in a healthy person. Homeopathic remedies are derived from plant, animal and mineral substances and are diluted until an infinitesimal amount of the original ingredient remains. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that homeopaths believe the resultant liquid contains an "essence" of the original substance, a theory known as the "memory of water."
Conium Maculatum Homeopathic Remedy
Conium maculatum is made from poison hemlock, the toxin that famously killed Socrates. However, the extreme successive dilutions of homeopathic preparation render it harmless. Hpathy.com says that Conium maculatum is considered the "Balm of Gilead" for elderly patients, particularly if they are unmarried. Homeopaths often prescribe Conium maculatum when cancer and tumors are present; it is also a popular homeopathic remedy for dizziness and vertigo.
Indications
Homeopaths take personality traits into account when prescribing remedies. According to homeopaths, the person who could benefit from conium maculatum tends to be easily irritated, glum and intolerant of being contradicted. The New England School of Homeopathy describes the Conium maculatum personality as inflexible, and adds that these patients often suffer from hard nodules or tumors. Another hallmark of the Conium maculatum personality is the tendency to avoid others, while craving connection with them. Homeopaths also consider factors that may cause, worsen or improve symptoms. If the vertigo tends to strike while the patient is lying down, or moving his head while in bed -- particularly to the left -- a homeopath is more likely to prescribe Conium maculatum. Other homeopathic indications for Conium maculatum include symptoms that are worsened by noise, light and abstinence from sexual relations.
Safety and Efficacy
Highly diluted homeopathic remedies, when taken under the guidance of trained professionals, are considered safe and unlikely to cause serious adverse reactions. Although human clinical trials and reviews of homeopathic remedies have yielded no indication that they work for specific illnesses, The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine points out that some placebo-controlled trials and scientific research have demonstrated positive effects of homeopathy. Consult your physician before taking Conium maculatum for vertigo.
