What causes vertigo and how you can treat it

TREATMENTS FOR VERTIGO BPPV usually goes away on its own within weeks of the first episode, though it can last for months or even years. If you want immediate relief from those bouts of

spinning, you might consider something called the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP). The treatment — typically performed by a vestibular rehabilitation therapist (a specially trained

physical therapist), occupational therapist, audiologist or ear, nose and throat doctor — involves moving the head in a series of precise positions, allowing the crystals to migrate out of

the semicircular canals back to the original vestibular organ they came from — the utricle, where they won’t cause dizziness. “It's kind of like playing one of those small handheld

pinball games,” Bell says, “tipping it right and left, trying to get the silver ball through the maze.” Gerlach can attest to CRP’s steadying effect. “For me, the treatment was nothing short

of magic,” Gerlach says. “It takes minutes and offers immediate results. All you need to do is take it easy for a few weeks. I was able to get back to normal, and I haven’t had an attack

since. But it’s always in the back of my mind, and I try to avoid anything that could potentially bring on that feeling again, like doing exercises that whip my head around.” Typically,

BPPV can be eliminated in 85 to 90 percent of patients with one or two treatment sessions, though it can recur periodically. “A few of those little crystals get loose, and the whole thing

starts all over again,” Rauch says. If this happens, your doctor or therapist can teach you how to perform CRP on your own at home. WAYS TO PREVENT AND HANDLE A VERTIGO ATTACK There are ways

to prevent or ride out an attack: 1. AVOID RAPID HEAD MOVEMENTS Move slowly and methodically, so you don’t trigger it. And take time when standing up. 2. GET A LIFT People who sleep without

a pillow or a very low pillow are more prone to vertigo, says Carol A. Foster, M.D., an otolaryngologist and author of _Overcoming Positional Vertigo_. When you lay supine, the crystals

may detach and fall into the posterior circular canal. “Sleep with your head propped up with two pillows,” Foster says. Kevin Smith, a vestibular physical therapist with Clarity Rehab and

Physical Therapy in Orange County, California, offers a different tack. “People sometimes avoid bending forward or lying flat because it may cause the crystals to get loose and trigger

symptoms. While it’s OK to do this until you have the crystals repositioned, I recommend after I reposition patients that they resume all of their activities as they would normally do and

not to avoid positions thinking that it will prevent the crystals from getting loose. Based on recent research, moving into those positions may actually decrease your risk of getting BPPV

again.” 3. TRY RELAXATION “What’s making that dizzying sensation worse is oftentimes the anxiety associated with it,” Smith says. “Getting anxious is going to exacerbate symptoms.” After

experiencing an episode, take deep breaths, try to relax and let that spinning sensation run its course. “If you’re experiencing nausea, ice packs placed on the neck goes a long way — but

don’t leave it on there for longer than 20 minutes,” Smith says. “Cooling down your nervous system is going to help with those residual symptoms.” 4. TAKE VITAMIN D Studies have found a link

between vitamin D deficiency and recurrences of BPPV. Some researchers theorize that a diet lacking in D can lead to a demineralization of those little calcium carbonate crystals — perhaps

creating a problem with how they’re forming and causing them to get displaced. What’s more, vitamin D can bolster your bones, lowering the risk of falls and fractures. If you have a D

deficiency, consider taking a daily supplement. HELP WITH UNSTEADINESS Even after BPPV has been treated, some people have residual symptoms of imbalance or unsteadiness. These can usually be

resolved by working with a vestibular rehabilitation therapist who will help patients use specific exercises to regain their stability. It might include walking on different types of

surfaces, stepping over thresholds or maintaining one's balance in a stationary position. Smith offers exercises you can try at home. Perform them at your discretion, depending on your

capabilities. 1. WALKING HEAD TURNS Walk with your head turned to the left for three steps, then turn your head to the right for three steps. Continue for two or three minutes.  2. UNSTABLE

SURFACE STAND Stand on a couch cushion or pillow in the corner of a wall with a chair in front of you. Close your eyes and move your head left and right for one minute, trying to stay as

still as possible. Repeat, moving your head up and down, as if nodding yes. 3. GAZE STABILIZATION Stand in a wall corner with a chair in front for safety, hold a sticky note with a letter

written on it for a visual target, move your head left and right (about 20 degrees to the left and 20 degrees to the right), trying to move your head faster as long as the target is in

focus. Repeat, this time moving your head up and down. Unsettling symptoms aside, BPPV isn’t life-threatening. “If your symptoms are centered exclusively around the ear, and you want to wait

it out, there’s probably no big danger in doing that,” Rauch says. However, he notes, there are times when dizziness can point to more serious disorders, such as heart disease, stroke,

diabetes, brain tumors or multiple sclerosis. If you have symptoms in any other part of your body — say, your vision has changed, or you have numbness, weakness, confusion or slurred speech

— it’s worth taking a trip to the ER and getting it checked out by a doctor. _Barbara Stepko was a longtime health and lifestyle writer, and former editor at _Women’s Health_ and _InStyle_.

Her work has appeared in _The Wall Street Journal_, _Parade_ and other national magazines._