Meniere’s disease is caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Learn how diet, medications, and new immune therapies can manage symptoms and slow progression.
Vertigo Management: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to Stay Steady
When you feel like the room is spinning, even standing still feels dangerous. That’s vertigo, a false sensation of movement caused by problems in the inner ear or brain. Also known as dizziness, it’s not just feeling lightheaded—it’s your balance system screaming that something’s off. Vertigo isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom. And figuring out how to manage it starts with knowing where it comes from.
The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a condition where tiny crystals in your inner ear break loose and send wrong signals to your brain. You get dizzy when you roll over in bed, look up, or bend down. It’s harmless but terrifying. Then there’s vestibular neuritis, an inflammation of the nerve that connects your inner ear to your brain, often from a virus. And don’t forget Meniere’s disease—fluid buildup that brings vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. Each needs a different approach.
Most people think medication is the answer. But for BPPV, pills won’t fix it. What works? A simple head movement called the Epley maneuver. Done right, it repositions those loose crystals in minutes. Physical therapists specialize in this. For vestibular neuritis, your body often heals on its own—but balance exercises help you recover faster. These are called vestibular rehabilitation, a set of customized exercises that train your brain to rely on other senses when your inner ear is faulty. No drugs needed. Just consistency.
What doesn’t work? Sleeping with your head propped up. Taking sedatives to numb the spinning. Avoiding movement because you’re scared. That last one makes things worse. Your brain needs to relearn balance. Staying still for days? It slows recovery. The key is controlled exposure—moving just enough to challenge your system without triggering a full episode.
Some triggers are obvious: caffeine, alcohol, high salt. Others are hidden—like stress, poor sleep, or even certain medications. Beta-blockers, antidepressants, even some antibiotics can mess with your balance. If your vertigo started after a new pill, talk to your doctor. Don’t assume it’s just part of aging.
What you’ll find below are real stories and practical fixes from people who’ve been there. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what actually helps: the exercises that work, the mistakes to avoid, the tests that matter, and when to push through versus when to rest. Whether you’ve had vertigo for days or years, there’s something here that applies to you.