Vertigo or giddiness is a condition in which a person loses the power of balancing himself, and experiences a false sensation as to his own movements or those of surrounding objects. Vertigo can alos be called as a specific type of dizziness and is a major symptom of a balance disorder. It is the sensation of spinning or swaying while the body is stationary with respect to the earth or surroundings. There are two types of vertigo and these can be named as subjective and objective. Subjective vertigo is when a person feels a false sensation of movement. Objective vertigo is when the surroundings will appear to move past a person`s field of vision.

The effects of vertigo may be slight. It can cause nausea and vomiting and, if severe, may give rise to difficulty with standing and walking.

Causes and Symptoms: Some diseases of the ear, which may disturb the balance of the fluids in the inner ear, may be the causes of giddiness. Some disorders of the stomach; defective eyesight; an impaired functioning of the nervous system, especially of the cerebellum or an attack of migraine or a mild attack of epilepsy; and diseases of the brain, such as a tumour, are some of the other causes. An important cause of vertigo is impaired circulation of the blood in which the vital fluid does not reach the brain in adequate quantities.

Medicines & Prescriptions:

1. Suvarna Sutashekhara Rasa: 60 mg to be taken twice daily with decoction of ainla.

2. Duralabha Quath: 50 ml to be taken with 5 ml of ghee twice daily.

3. Saraswatarishta: Ashwagandharishta: 10 ml each of Saraswatarishta and Ashwagandharishta to be taken twice daily after meals.

Ashwagandha can be administered in cases of insomnia associated with vertigo.

Diet and Other Regimen: The patient should be kept on an easily digestible diet and should avoid smoking, drinking, and all narcotic drugs.

The affected person should live in pleasant surroundings and try to keep free from worry. Regular morning and evening walks, pleasant companionship, and adequate rest are recommended. If there is constipation, 6 gm of amaltas should be administered with decoction of haritild at bedtime.