Top 8 Methods to Treat Vestibular Disorders

1. Western Medication

To prevent the recurrence and complications of vestibular disorders, patients need to use medication to effectively treat the condition. Depending on the symptoms of vestibular disorders, patients may be treated with different types of medication:

Cinnarizine
It's an H1 histamine antagonist indicated for controlling motion sickness and treating vestibular disorder symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and tinnitus. It may cause drowsiness, gastrointestinal disorders, or abdominal pain. Take it with water after a meal to minimize these effects.

Flunarizine
You can use Flunarizine to prevent and alleviate headaches, treat dizziness due to vestibular disorders, and cerebral circulation insufficiency. Consult your doctor before using to avoid unwanted side effects such as increased drowsiness, depression, gastrointestinal and nervous system effects, and exacerbation of Parkinson's disease.

Vinpocetine
It's a neuroprotective drug indicated for various neurological disorders, especially cerebral vascular diseases including vestibular disorders. Side effects may include tachycardia and hypotension. Take it after meals and inform your doctor if there's no improvement or if your condition worsens.

Acetyl-DL-leucine
This active ingredient treats dizziness and vestibular disorders, reducing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea, and visual disturbances caused by vestibular disorders or cerebral circulation insufficiency. It's also used for unexplained dizziness, like post-traumatic or post-surgical dizziness. It may interact with other drugs, so inform your doctor about your current medication.

Ginkgo biloba
This herb contains flavonoids and terpenoids that improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels, potentially treating vestibular disorders. It may also help with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, tinnitus, and depression. When following medication treatment for vestibular disorders, patience and adherence to a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits are essential for effective treatment and recovery!

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine

Treating vestibular disorders with traditional Chinese medicine is one of the effective methods in dealing with vestibular diseases. Although Chinese medicine may not provide immediate relief like Western medicine, it offers long-term effectiveness and prevents recurrence.

Here are some effective traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for treating vestibular disorders:

Prescription for vestibular disorders due to syndrome.

• This prescription reduces dizziness, vertigo, and eye floaters.
• It also uplifts the spirits, enhances memory, and helps alleviate nausea and white tongue.
• The prescription includes: 12g Astragalus, 12g Rehmannia, 12g Bletilla, 12g Scutellaria, 12g Poria, 12g Chrysanthemum, 12g White peony, 12g Cynanchum atratum, 12g Cimicifuga, 12g Bletilla, 12g Ophiopogon, 10g Pinellia, and 10g Cyperus.
• How to make the medicine: The medicine should be decocted daily and used immediately while still warm.

Prescription for Kudzu and Rehmannia.

• According to clinical studies, this prescription contains many beneficial substances for those suffering from vestibular disorders. The prescription includes: 120g Kudzu, 120g Rehmannia, 120g Bletilla, 120g Poria, 120g Scutellaria, 160g Eucommia, 160g Taxillus, and 320g Rehmannia.
• How to make the medicine: Grind all the ingredients into fine powder, mix well, and form into pills for use over two months.
• Usage: Take 8 -16g each time, dissolved in warm water (60 – 70°C) with a pinch of salt.

Prescription for Bilberry, Chrysanthemum, and Forsythia.

• This prescription promotes blood circulation, resolves phlegm, relieves headaches, and addresses prolonged insomnia.
• The prescription includes: 30g Ecklonia cava, 12g Achyranthes bidentata, 20g Spatholobus suberectus, 10g Pinellia, 16g Pseudostellaria heterophylla, and 16g Rehmannia.
• How to make the medicine: Decoct all the ingredients together in water. Patients need to take continuously for 3 to 6 months to see significant results.

Prescription for Gastrodia and Uncaria.

• This traditional Chinese medicine treats vestibular disorders, improving symptoms such as eye floaters, dizziness, tinnitus, and difficulty maintaining balance.
• The prescription includes: 12g Herba patriniae, 12g Uncaria rhynchophylla, 12g Cyathula officinalis, 12g Ligusticum wallichii, 12g Salvia miltiorrhiza, 12g Poria cocos, 12g Platycodon grandiflorus, 10g Gastrodia elata, 10g Astragalus, 8g Cnidium monnieri, and 20g Haliotis diversicolor.
• How to make the medicine: Boil all the ingredients in 1000ml of water. Simmer until it reduces to about 350ml, then turn off the heat. Divide the medicine into 2 – 3 doses to be taken daily after meals.

Treating vestibular disorders with traditional Chinese medicine may take a considerable amount of time and may not provide immediate relief like other methods, but it addresses the root cause of the problem. It is the most appropriate method for treating the disease, ensuring high efficacy, long-term effects, and safety for users without side effects.

3. Using Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements for treating vestibular disorders are not medications but rather products that help alleviate symptoms and prevent dangerous complications. Patients can also use them to prevent the recurrence of vestibular disorders.

In general, nutritional supplements for treating vestibular disorders increase cerebral circulation, improve blood flow to the brain, and reduce symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, etc. Another advantage of these nutritional supplements is that they can be used for an extended period without causing side effects.

Here are some types of nutritional supplements that people trust:

Vestibular Support Nutritional Supplement

• This nutritional supplement for treating vestibular disorders is researched and developed based on prescriptions from traditional Chinese medicine.
• Some key ingredients include: Eucommia, Cyperus, Ophiopogon, Ginkgo biloba,... Vestibular Support Nutritional Supplement helps treat symptoms such as headaches, imbalance, dizziness, and enhances cerebral blood flow.
• Note: It is recommended to use the product for 3 - 6 months for optimal results.
• Dosage: Supportive treatment: Take 2 tablets/day, 2-3 times/day; Prevention: 1-2 tablets/day, 2 times/day.

Senudo Vestibular Health Product

• This nutritional supplement is manufactured by Nano France pharmaceutical company with Ginkgo biloba as the main ingredient, which enhances cerebral blood circulation.
• In addition, the product contains beneficial nutrients for the central nervous system such as blueberries, Codonopsis pilosula, Quercetin, and vitamin B.
• With a safe and natural ingredient list rich in essential nutrients for the brain, this product effectively supports the reduction of vestibular disorder symptoms and cerebral circulation impairment.
• Dosage: Take 1 tablet/time, 2-3 times/day.

Ceraton Fort Vestibular Circulation Support

• Another popular nutritional supplement for treating vestibular disorders is Ceraton Fort Vestibular Circulation Support.
• The product contains key ingredients such as white mulberry, Codonopsis pilosula, dried coconut, and blueberries, which support cerebral circulation, reduce symptoms of vestibular disorders, and prevent strokes.
• Note: Ceraton Fort Vestibular Circulation Support should not be used by individuals with high blood pressure, pregnant women, postpartum women, or those with slow blood clotting.
• Dosage: Twice a day, 1-2 tablets each time, taken after breakfast and lunch.

Medi Happy Vestibular Brain Function Enhancer

• This herbal supplement helps nerve cells recover quickly, enhances cerebral blood circulation, and gradually reduces symptoms of vestibular disorders such as headaches, dizziness, and insomnia.
• The product contains safe herbal ingredients such as Codonopsis pilosula, Angelica sinensis, Ginkgo biloba extract, Blueberry, vitamin B6, and vitamin PP, ensuring safety for users.
• Dosage: Twice a day, 1 tablet each time.

Using your fingers to press on the points between the eyebrows, the temple, the inner gate,... for 5 - 10 minutes each time will help alleviate symptoms of vertigo more quickly. In fact, the method of acupressure for vertigo has been practiced by folk healers for centuries. Whenever there are signs of dizziness, patients would press on the painful spots to aid recovery.

However, not all patients apply this method correctly. Incorrect application may worsen the condition.

Typically, patients with vertigo will press on 4 important points: the forehead, the back of the neck, the crown of the head, and the temples.

Pressing on the forehead

• Patients use 3 fingers, including the index and middle fingers, to cover the entire forehead.
  
• Then, they can press and release about 20 - 30 times.
• At the same time, pressing along the temples will yield the best results.
• Patients will experience reduced symptoms of headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Pressing on the back of the neck

• At the back of the neck, patients can use the entire palm or fingers to press up and down or behind the neck.
• Continuously doing this about 20 - 30 times will make you feel more comfortable.
• At the same time, the muscles will relax, increasing blood flow to the brain effectively.

Pressing on the crown of the head

• For this position, patients need to use three fingers: index, middle, and ring fingers, with the middle finger placed between the crown and the other two fingers as a connecting point.
• Pressing on this point horizontally and vertically like a plus sign will form the Baihui point in the middle.
• Patients will feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Pressing on the temples

• Patients press both palms together.
• Then, using the index and middle fingers, they evenly press around the eyes clockwise.
• Avoid applying too much pressure on the eyes and press about 20 - 30 times each time.
• This method helps improve blood circulation and quickly increases blood flow to the brain

Massaging the scalp by hand

• Instead of using a comb, patients use their fingers to massage straight and horizontally, gently pulling the hair.

Pressing on the scalp, pressing at the painful points

• This action uses fingers to perform the technique of pressing on the scalp and temple areas in a coil-like shape.
• When patients experience headaches, the performer can locate and press on the painful points on the head appropriately.

Patting the head

• Both palms perform a clapping motion, then close the fingers to exert force on the patient's head

Tapping the head

• Using fingers to tap around the head in circular motions and in two opposite directions.

Soaking your feet in hot water helps increase blood circulation, reduce muscle pain, and joint soreness.

Combining hot water foot soaking with foot acupressure provides relaxation and helps the brain regulate the body's balance as blood is evenly transported to the brain. Especially beneficial for those with circulation disorders, it minimizes symptoms and alleviates ailments.

Every day before bed, you can soak your feet in warm water at 40 - 45°C for 20 - 30 minutes each time. The warm water dilates blood vessels, promotes blood circulation, reduces tension, fatigue, etc. Adding a few slices of ginger helps dilate blood vessels and enhance blood flow throughout the body. Ginger has the effect of dispelling cold, so it's very effective in keeping the body warm.

In addition to adhering to the doctor's treatment protocol for vertigo, you should also adjust healthy living habits to help minimize symptoms.

Get Enough Sleep

• You should get enough sleep and avoid staying up late to prevent exhaustion, which can reduce concentration and cause dizziness.

Use a High Pillow When Sleeping

• When sleeping, you should use a high pillow to facilitate better blood circulation, avoiding venous congestion and oxygen deficiency, which can cause difficulty breathing.

Rest When Feeling Dizzy

• If you feel dizzy or off balance, it's best to rest in a quiet, cool place.
• Additionally, you should limit driving and avoid heights if you feel unwell.

Avoid Sudden Postural Changes

• Patients should not stand up, sit down, or change positions suddenly as it can cause imbalance, or even fainting.

Take Proper Breaks When Working in an Office

• For office workers, you should avoid working or sitting in front of a computer for long periods.
• You can take short walks or change your viewing direction every 1 – 2 hours of work.

Patients with vertigo can soak their feet in hot water

• This helps improve the quality of sleep each night and promotes blood circulation and detoxification.

Patients undergoing treatment for vertigo should supplement their bodies with healthy foods, consuming plenty of foods rich in folic acid, fiber, iron, and essential vitamins such as A, B6, C, D, and E.

These vitamin-rich foods are often found in various vegetables, fruits, legumes, and seeds. Additionally, a crucial source for patients is meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products, helping patients avoid symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision…

You should also drink plenty of water daily, around 2 – 2.5 liters of water, to keep your mind sharp, your body healthy, and to avoid dehydration. It's important to eat moderately and not skip meals to prevent low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and fatigue.

Especially when combined with vertigo treatment, you should avoid the following foods:

• Fatty foods: Unhealthy fats such as animal fats, butter, coconut cream, and cakes can cause vein blockages and increase cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Stimulants: Avoid drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes as nicotine in cigarettes can worsen tinnitus and reduce blood supply to the ears.
• Overly salty, sweet, or carbonated foods: These types of foods can worsen inner ear symptoms and make the condition worse.
• Foods containing Tyramine amino acid: Avoid red wine, chicken liver, and smoked meats as they can exacerbate headaches and worsen tinnitus.
• Alcoholic beverages: Alcoholic beverages like wine and beer affect the nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, and overall body fatigue.