WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

Brain & Nervous System Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

actionsetBalance exercises for vertigo

Many people experience vertigo. If you have Ménière's disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), you may have to deal with vertigo throughout your life. The spinning sensation it causes puts you at risk for falling and can also affect your quality of life if it interferes with your level of activity. Exercises you can do at home can help control your vertigo.

More information about vertigo can be found in the following topics:

Exercises for vertigo often sound very simple but, depending on the severity of your vertigo, you may find them difficult to perform. They generally consist of exercises that practice:

  • Maintaining balance while standing still.
  • Maintaining balance while swaying.
  • Maintaining balance while turning.
  • Maintaining balance while walking.
  • Head movements. Head movements are one of the most common triggers of vertigo. Practicing moving your head will help your body learn to maintain your sense of balance.

Test Your Knowledge

Those with vertigo should follow an exercise program that includes practicing maintaining balance while standing still, turning, swaying, and walking.

> True
> False

If you experience ongoing bouts of vertigo, no matter what the cause, you have a greater risk of losing your balance and falling. The benefits of doing balance exercises may include:

  • Having better balance with less risk of falling and hurting yourself and others. Repeated bouts of vertigo may reduce inner ear function, which leads to a deteriorating sense of balance. These exercises will help you maintain your inner ear function and balance.
  • Improving self-confidence and self-esteem. As your balance improves, you may feel more confident that you can get out more and do more with others.

Within a few days to weeks of consistently doing balance exercises, you should notice a decline in vertigo symptoms.

Test Your Knowledge

Having better balance improves your confidence.

> True
> False

Use the following exercises to improve and safeguard your balance. Your vertigo symptoms should improve within a few days to a few weeks.

In each exercise, start out slowly. Over time, you can gradually try to do the exercise for a longer time or do more repetitions. When you first begin, it is important to have someone with you in case you feel you are going to fall. As you progress, you may be able to do some of the exercises on your own.

Test Your Knowledge

You never need help with any of the exercises for balance.

> True
> False

Exercise can be a valuable tool in dealing with vertigo and imbalance, and the exercises in this Actionset are a start. It is also possible to target exercises to your condition. Talk to your health professional about how to do this.

Author Sabra L. Katz-Wise
Author Ralph Poore
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD
- Neurology
Last Updated November 7, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 07, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
webMD Video

click to expand/contract  When Dizzy Equals Danger

48x48_dizzy_diagnosis.jpg

Many people experience dizzy spells, but how much is too much? Learn when dizzy equals danger.

Watch Video

click to expand/contract  Brain Aneurysm Bypass

click to expand/contract  New Meningitis Vaccine

click to expand/contract  Is Your Memory Normal?

click to expand/contract  Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise

Would you consider trying alternative or complementary therapies?


Most Popular Stories