Vertigo After 50 Is Common In Women — How To Manage Its Causes and Symptoms
Avoid 'the spins' with three easy tips.
After 50, your likelihood of developing a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) increases. This condition is known to cause lightheadedness, nausea, and “the spins” — which is when you feel like your surroundings are moving. BPPV occurs when there are issues with or damage to your vestibular system, resulting in the disrupted function of the hairlike sensors in your inner ear that help you stay balanced. Aspects of your lifestyle including prolonged stress may inhibit vestibular system function and worsen BPPV symptoms. Fortunately, there are natural treatment options for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo that provide much-needed relief. Keep reading to learn the simple ways you can keep dizziness at bay.
#1: Do a simple count to decrease stress.
The stress hormone known as cortisol hampers the vestibular system’s ability to communicate with the brain, throwing off the body’s ability to orient itself. If you get the spins on a stressful day, try this: Inhale through your nose as you count to seven, hold for seven seconds, then exhale for seven seconds. Repeat seven times. A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine suggests that meditation-based mental exercises could be helpful for minimizing long-term exposure to cortisol. Similarly, WebMD notes that deep breaths may be an effective response to stress-triggered vertigo attacks for some people.
#2: Move your head to restore balance.
The inner ear canals are filled with tiny crystals that help the body register whether it’s balanced. And atmospheric shifts can cause them to fall out of place, disrupting your sense of gravity. The fix: Tilting your head in a series of simple moves, collectively referred to as the “Epley maneuver.” According to Medical News Today, this exercise helps dislodge calcium crystals the ear canals that affect your balance. For best results, allow a doctor to carry out the Epley maneuver first and then discuss trying it out at home.
#3: Take nature’s Rx to help improve symptoms.
The tiny motion-detecting hairs that line the inner ear called stereocilia deteriorate as you age. This hampers the brain’s ability to sense up from down, making it more difficult to stay steady on your feet. To outsmart trouble, consider taking 50 to 150 milligrams of CoQ10 every day. A study published in the journal Molecular Aspects of Medicine found that this daily dosage was associated with helping most participants with heart failure improve vertigo symptoms within 12 weeks. Speak with your doctor prior to starting a supplement.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
