Vertigo is a nervous condition marked by symptoms such as headaches, a sensation of movement, nausea, vomiting, sweating, eye movements, and sometimes hearing loss. In Ayurveda, vertigo is known as Bhrama. Ayurvedic principles recognize three body energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that influence health and body type. In Bhrama, Pitta dosha plays a significant role. Eating oily, fried, spicy, or sour foods, experiencing stress, or feeling irritated can disturb Pitta dosha. When Pitta combines with Vata dosha, it can lead to vertigo, accompanied by the symptoms mentioned above.

Vertigo can stem from various causes:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common type of vertigo, caused by tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) dislodging from their usual location and moving into the inner ear’s semicircular canals. Symptoms include brief episodes of spinning sensation triggered by changes in head position.
• Meniere’s Disease: A chronic inner ear condition that can lead to vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Symptoms include episodes of vertigo that may last from minutes to hours, fluctuating hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness in the ear.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral infection. Symptoms include severe, continuous vertigo, nausea, and balance difficulties, usually without hearing loss.
• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear structures, including the labyrinth, usually due to an infection. Symptoms include vertigo accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus, and sometimes nausea or vomiting.
• Migrainous Vertigo: Vertigo associated with migraine headaches. The vertigo may occur with or without a headache. Symptoms include spinning sensation, balance problems, and sometimes accompanying migraine symptoms like headaches, light sensitivity, and nausea.
• Peripheral Vertigo: Vertigo caused by issues within the inner ear or vestibular nerve. Symptoms include sudden onset of spinning sensation, usually triggered by head movements, often associated with hearing changes or tinnitus.
• Central Vertigo: Vertigo resulting from problems in the brain, particularly in the brainstem or cerebellum. Symptoms include persistent vertigo that may not be influenced by head position changes, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as difficulty speaking, weakness, or difficulty walking.

• Seek Medical Evaluation: Consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of vertigo and receive appropriate treatment.
• Follow Treatment Plans: Adhere to prescribed treatments and therapies, such as vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medications, or lifestyle changes, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Be cautious with sudden head or body movements that can trigger or worsen vertigo symptoms. Move slowly and steadily.
• Perform Balance Exercises: Engage in balance and coordination exercises, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy, to improve balance and reduce vertigo symptoms.
• Hydrate and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Stay hydrated and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods, which may exacerbate vertigo symptoms, especially in cases of Meniere’s disease.
• Implement Safety Measures: Make your home safer by reducing fall hazards, such as removing tripping hazards and using grab bars in bathrooms, to prevent injuries during vertigo episodes.
• Manage Stress and Anxiety: Practice stress-reducing techniques, such as relaxation exercises, meditation, or deep breathing, as stress can sometimes trigger or worsen vertigo.
• Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Monitor Triggers: Identify and avoid specific triggers that may exacerbate vertigo, such as certain foods, activities, or environmental factors.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about your specific type of vertigo and its management strategies. Understanding your condition can help you make informed decisions about your treatment and daily activities.