Introduction
Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms with several possible causes. Dizziness may present as lightheadedness, a feeling of faintness or unsteadiness, while vertigo is characterised by a false sensation of movement, often described as the spinning of oneself or of one’s surroundings. The nature of the symptom can vary from one person to another. Some episodes are brief and occur with movement, while others may persist and interfere with walking, daily activities or concentration. A careful assessment of the symptoms is therefore important before deciding on treatment.
In Ayurveda, the assessment goes beyond the symptom itself. The physician considers dosha involvement along with Agni, diet, sleep, bowel habits and daily routine to understand the individual’s condition and plan appropriate treatment. This blog discusses the reasons for dizziness and vertigo, their assessment, and the role of Ayurvedic treatment for vertigo.
What Are the Reasons for Dizziness and Vertigo?
Dizziness can have many causes, and the nature of the sensation often indicates where the problem may lie. Inner ear disorders are an important cause of vertigo, while lightheadedness may be related to blood pressure, hydration, blood sugar or other systemic factors.
- Ear Problems: The inner ear is closely involved in balance. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced and move into the semicircular canals. A person may suddenly feel the room spinning when turning in bed, sitting up or looking upwards. The episode is usually brief. Other inner ear problems, including vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis and Meniere’s disease, can also cause vertigo. Hearing loss, ringing in the ear or a feeling of fullness may occur with some of these conditions.
- Blood Pressure Changes: A sudden fall in blood pressure, particularly after getting up from sitting or lying down, can cause lightheadedness or a feeling of near fainting. This is often described differently from the spinning sensation of vertigo.
- Dehydration: Dizziness may develop when there has been considerable fluid loss. It can follow heavy sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea, and weakness may accompany it.
- Migraine: Migraine does not always present as a headache. Some people mainly experience dizziness or vertigo, with a feeling that they are spinning, the surroundings are moving, or that they cannot keep their balance. These symptoms may occur during the migraine episode even when the usual headache is missing.
- Anaemia: Dizziness is sometimes related to low haemoglobin, particularly when the person is already feeling unusually tired or weak.
- Low Blood Sugar: A fall in blood glucose can cause dizziness, sweating, trembling and weakness. It may occur in people with diabetes who are taking treatment that lowers blood sugar.
- Medicines: Medication history is an important part of assessing dizziness. Certain blood pressure medicines, sedatives, antidepressants and anti-seizure medicines can cause dizziness or affect balance.
- Neurological Conditions: Dizziness can occur with some disorders of the brain or nervous system. Stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease are examples.
- Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety can cause lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Rapid breathing can make the feeling stronger.
In Ayurveda, dizziness and vertigo can be understood in relation to the classical descriptions of Murcha and Bhrama. Murcha is described with features such as fainting, loss of consciousness and blacking out, while Bhrama is described as an abnormal sensation of movement or spinning. Bhrama is associated with Vata and Pitta, along with the mental factor Rajas (activity and restlessness), while Murcha is described in relation to Pitta and Tamas (inertia and dullness). Ayurveda physicians consider these descriptions along with the individual’s symptoms, Agni, diet, sleep, daily routine and overall health when assessing the condition.
Symptoms of Dizziness and Vertigo
The symptoms can vary considerably from one person to another. Some people describe dizziness as a spinning sensation, while others describe it as weakness or instability. Common symptoms are:
- A feeling that the room or surroundings are spinning
- A sense of being faint or light-headed
- Losing balance or feeling unsteady when walking
- Feeling sick or throwing up
- Trouble keeping eyes still
- Headache
- Buzzing in the ears
- Changes in hearing
- A feeling of pressure in the ear
- Symptoms that happen when moving the head
- Trouble walking during an attack
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) during an episodeThe duration is also important. BPPV, for example, generally causes short episodes associated with particular head movements. Vertigo related to other conditions may persist for much longer.
A proper evaluation begins with the details of the symptom. An Ayurveda physician may ask when the dizziness started, whether it occurs after standing or turning the head, how long each episode lasts and whether nausea, headache, hearing changes, or weakness occur along with it. The patient’s food intake, bowel habits, sleep, stress, daily routine and medicines are also considered during the assessment. A medical evaluation may be needed to find the cause of dizziness. Blood pressure and blood tests may be done. Hearing, balance and neurological function are also checked when required. A CT scan or MRI may be advised if there is a concern about a neurological cause.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Dizziness and Vertigo
Ayurvedic treatment for dizziness and vertigo is decided based on the symptoms and the person’s overall condition. There is no single treatment that suits everyone. Depending on the presentation, management may include:
- Diet and routine correction: Meal timings, food, sleep and daily habits are assessed. Changes are made when these are affecting the symptoms.
- Abhyanga: Warm oil massage may be useful when dizziness occurs along with features such as weakness, restlessness, poor sleep or instability.
- Shirodhara: When dizziness is accompanied by mental strain, anxiety or disturbed sleep, Shirodhara may be included in the treatment plan. Its use depends on the individual assessment.
- Nasya: Nasya may be recommended in selected cases after examination by an Ayurveda physician. The medicine used and the method of administration are decided according to the person’s symptoms and condition.
- Panchakarma: Where there is a clear indication, selected Panchakarma procedures may form part of the treatment. The procedure is chosen based on the dosha involvement, strength and overall clinical picture rather than being used routinely for every case of dizziness or vertigo.
Medhya support: The classical approach also gives importance to Medhya medicines when cognitive or psychological features are associated with Bhrama or Murcha. The choice of medicine is based on the individual’s presentation and should not be self-prescribed.
When dizziness or vertigo has an identifiable neurological, cardiovascular or vestibular cause, appropriate medical management remains important. Ayurveda care can be considered as part of an integrated treatment plan, but it should not delay evaluation of sudden, severe or unexplained symptoms.
Home Remedies for Dizziness and Vertigo
A few simple measures can help when dizziness occurs and may prevent it from getting worse.
- Drink enough water throughout the day, especially in hot weather or after heavy sweating.
- Do not skip meals if you tend to feel dizzy when you stay hungry for long.
- Get up slowly after sitting or lying down.
- If dizziness starts, sit or lie down until it passes.
- Keep a light on when getting up at night.
- Avoid sudden head movements if they bring on the symptoms.
- Do not drive or use machinery while feeling dizzy or experiencing vertigo.
- Try to keep regular meals and sleep timings.
- Avoid taking herbal medicines specifically for vertigo without professional advice.
Exercises such as vestibular rehabilitation may be useful for certain vestibular conditions, but they should be selected according to the diagnosis. Similarly, repositioning manoeuvres such as the Epley manoeuvre are useful in appropriate cases of BPPV and are best learnt from a qualified healthcare professional.
When to Seek the Doctors
Dizziness that is sudden, severe, recurrent or unexplained requires medical attention. Seek emergency medical care if dizziness or vertigo occurs with:
- Sudden severe headache
- Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Double vision or sudden visual changes
- Severe difficulty walking or loss of coordination
- Fainting or seizures
- Chest pain or an irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden hearing loss
- Persistent vomiting
- Confusion
These symptoms can sometimes indicate a neurological or cardiovascular emergency and should not be managed at home.
Conclusion
Dizziness and vertigo are symptoms, not diagnoses. The cause may be as straightforward as BPPV or dehydration, but persistent dizziness can also point towards an inner ear, cardiovascular or neurological problem. Ayurveda focuses on understanding the individual’s symptoms, dosha involvement, digestion, daily routine and overall strength before selecting treatment. Ayurvedic treatment for vertigo may include dietary correction, suitable therapies and medicines when indicated, but the treatment should be personalised and coordinated with necessary medical evaluation. Finding the reason behind the dizziness is the first step towards managing it safely and effectively.
