Vertigo falls into two major categories: peripheral and central. Conditions of the central nervous system relate to central vertigo, but problems of the inner ear cause peripheral vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is more common, as issues such as infections, trauma, migraines, allergies, tumors and abnormalities with inner ear fluid may all lead to this type of vertigo, whereas strokes, tumors and trauma to the brain and spinal cord lead to central vertigo.
Brandt-Daroff Exercises
The Brandt-Daroff exercises are home-based exercises you can do by yourself. To do this on such exercise, sit on a bed with your feet on the floor. Quickly lean sideways to lie on your right side and stay there until the dizziness passes. Sit back up and stay there until the dizziness passes. Repeat on the left side. Do 10 to 20 reps.
Canal Repositioning Maneuver
Canal repositioning maneuver, or canalith repositioning, is a series of head exercises usually done in a doctor's office. The goal is to move small crystals of calcium carbonate out of your inner ear canal. Start by sitting and looking forward while an assistant stands behind you for safety. Next, lie down with the head over the edge of the table at 45 degrees to the left. Turn the head 45 degrees to the right. Roll over 135 degrees until the body faces downwards. Then sit up without changing the position of the head. Turn the head forward and tilt down 20 degrees. Repeat in the other direction.
Cawthorne-Cooksey Head Exercises
Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises originated in London in the 1940s, for rehabilitation after labyrinthectomy operations that destroy the inner ear. These exercises teach the brain to work around the damage to the inner ear. Head exercises involve manipulating the head to reduce occurrences of dizziness from quick head movements in your daily life. To perform head exercises, start with your eyes open and bend the head forward and backward like an exaggerated nod 20 times. Then, twist your head left to right 20 times. Begin at a slow speed. Over time, speed up and eventually close your eyes.
Cawthorne-Cooksey Eye Exercises
Cawthorn-Cooksey eye exercises work the same way as the head exercises to reduce vertigo symptoms by giving your brain the chance to adapt to eye movements. Gradually, your brain learns to work around the inner ear problem that causes your peripheral vertigo symptoms, but in the beginning you are likely to feel dizzy from doing these exercises. First, look up and then down 20 times in a row. Then, look left and right 20 times. Finally, stare at one finger that is arm's length away and then bring the finger toward and away from you 20 times.
