What patient teaching is recommended for managing vertigo?

Patient Education for Vertigo Management

Vertigo is a complex condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, but there are several effective strategies you can implement to manage symptoms and reduce their frequency.

Understanding Your Vertigo

• Vertigo is characterized by a false sensation of spinning or movement, which differs from general dizziness or lightheadedness 1
• Recognize that vertigo can be triggered by specific head positions, occur spontaneously, or present as prolonged episodes depending on the underlying cause 1, 2
• Vertigo attacks can significantly impact your safety and increase fall risk, especially in older adults 1

Lifestyle Modifications to Manage Symptoms

• Limit salt/sodium in your diet to 1500-2300 mg daily, as increased sodium can increase fluid in the inner ear and worsen symptoms 1
• Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can trigger vertigo episodes in some individuals 1, 3
• Maintain well-balanced meals throughout the day and stay properly hydrated with water while avoiding high-sugar beverages 1
• Implement stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or joining support groups, as stress can exacerbate vertigo symptoms 1, 4, 3
• Get regular exercise and adequate sleep to help maintain overall vestibular health 1
• Consider keeping a food and activity diary to identify personal triggers for your vertigo episodes 1

During a Vertigo Attack

• During an acute attack, find a safe position (usually sitting or lying down) and avoid sudden head movements 4, 3
• Use prescribed vestibular suppressant medications only during acute attacks rather than continuously, as long-term use can interfere with natural compensation and recovery 4, 3
• Be aware that medications used for vertigo can cause drowsiness and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery 5

Long-term Management

• Understand that vertigo may recur even after successful treatment, with recurrence rates increasing over time (up to 36% in some cases) 1
• If you have allergies, proper management is important as allergies can contribute to vertigo symptoms in up to 30% of patients 1, 3
• Consider having a family member or friend accompany you to medical appointments to help understand and remember treatment recommendations 1
• Be aware that patients with increased bouts of vertigo should be assessed for sleep apnea 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Return to your healthcare provider if you experience new or worsening symptoms, particularly if accompanied by hearing changes, headache, or neurological symptoms 1, 2
• Seek immediate medical attention if vertigo is accompanied by speech difficulties, visual disturbances, severe headache, or motor/sensory deficits 2
• Follow up with your healthcare provider within one month after initial treatment to assess your response and adjust management as needed 4, 3

Remember that proper management of vertigo often requires a combination of lifestyle modifications, appropriate medication use during acute episodes, and sometimes specialized physical therapy techniques depending on the specific cause of your vertigo 4, 3, 6.