Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Q: Occasionally I experience episodes of vertigo. What causes this, and are there any solutions?
A: Vertigo—the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, even when your body is stationary—has different causes, but recurrent, sudden episodes are usually linked to the movement of tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear. For a variety of reasons (including head trauma), these crystals can become dislodged from their normal location, rendering you extrasensitive to changes in head position. There is a weird-sounding but effective treatment called the Epley maneuver, which involves a series of simple head adjustments to reposition the crystals. Your doctor can perform it in his office and then teach you how to do it on your own in the event of future episodes.
Next: The top causes of dizziness and the best ways to find relief
A: Vertigo—the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, even when your body is stationary—has different causes, but recurrent, sudden episodes are usually linked to the movement of tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear. For a variety of reasons (including head trauma), these crystals can become dislodged from their normal location, rendering you extrasensitive to changes in head position. There is a weird-sounding but effective treatment called the Epley maneuver, which involves a series of simple head adjustments to reposition the crystals. Your doctor can perform it in his office and then teach you how to do it on your own in the event of future episodes.
Next: The top causes of dizziness and the best ways to find relief
From the January 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
