What to do about dizziness caused by gravitational vertigo

Generally, gravitational vertigo and dizziness may be caused by physical weakness, inner ear balance dysfunction, cervical vertigo, vestibular dysfunction, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Symptoms can be alleviated through increased physical activity, traditional Chinese medicine therapies, medication, or procedures such as ear stone repositioning. If symptoms persist, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Physical Weakness: Individuals with weak physical conditions may experience gravitational vertigo or dizziness when suddenly engaging in heavy physical labor or strenuous exercise, as the body may not adapt to the intensity of such activity, leading to accelerated blood circulation and elevated blood pressure. It is recommended to improve physical fitness through regular exercise, and to rest appropriately when symptoms occur, avoiding excessive fatigue.

2. Inner Ear Balance Dysfunction: The inner ear is responsible for maintaining balance. When the inner ear is underdeveloped or damaged, balance disorders may occur, resulting in vertigo under gravitational forces. Symptoms may include unsteadiness, pallor, and nausea. It is recommended to perform exercises that improve inner ear balance function, such as vestibular rehabilitation exercises.

3. Cervical Vertigo: Cervical vertigo results from a combination of factors including vertebral artery issues, sympathetic nerve involvement, and proprioceptive disturbances. When cervical spine problems occur, the vertebral artery may become compressed, affecting blood supply to the brain and causing dizziness, accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, and excessive sleepiness. Treatments include traditional Chinese medicine massage, manipulation, or cervical sympathetic ganglion block therapy.

4. Vestibular Dysfunction: Vestibular dysfunction refers to lesions in the vestibular system caused by localized or widespread ischemia, hypoxia, or inflammation, which may lead to gravitational vertigo and dizziness. Associated symptoms may include nystagmus and balance disorders. Treatment should be conducted under medical guidance using medications such as meclizine tablets, betahistine dihydrochloride tablets, or flunarizine hydrochloride capsules.

5. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV occurs when otoliths (ear stones) in the inner ear become dislodged and stimulate the semicircular canals during head movements, causing vertigo. Gravitational vertigo may be a manifestation of BPPV, with symptoms worsening during changes in body position, and quickly improving when the position is stabilized. The primary treatment involves otolith repositioning maneuvers, allowing the displaced otoliths to move back into the utricle under gravity, thereby relieving vertigo.

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise and rapid changes in head position in daily life to prevent symptom onset.