Abstract
Vertigo can be described as a feeling of spinning and trouble balancing, that might result from simple inner ear problems or serious disorders of the central nervous system. In homoeopathy, accurate case-taking and remedy individualization are essential to address both the cause and the totality of symptoms. This article explores a homeopathic therapeutic approach to vertigo, combining conventional clinical understanding with established homoeopathic literature and recent studies.
Keywords: Vertigo, Dizziness, Homoeopathy, Ménière’s Disease, Labyrinthitis, Therapeutics
Introduction
Vertigo is a subtype of dizziness characterized by the false sensation of movement, typically spinning. In India, the reported cases of vertigo are around 0.71% which means more than 9 million people suffer from it nationally. According to research, about 30% of people over 60 and 50% of people over 85 experience vertigo. According to the reports, women are two to three times as likely to be affected by this condition compared to men [1,2].
Common Causes of Vertigo:
- Peripheral causes: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease
- Central causes: Stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors
- Systemic causes: Hypotension, anemia, hypoglycemia
- Psychogenic causes: Anxiety and panic disorders
Clinical Evaluation Includes:
- Thorough history (onset, duration, triggering factors, associated symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus, visual disturbances)
- Physical examination including Dix-Hallpike maneuver
- Investigations such as audiometry, MRI (if central cause suspected), and vestibular function tests
Homoeopathic Approach to Vertigo
Case-Taking Essentials
- Modalities: Better or worse from movement, position, light, open/closed eyes
- Associated Symptoms: Nausea, tinnitus, headache, visual aura, perspiration
- Constitutional background: Emotional and physical state, past history
- Miasmatic influence: Often sycotic or syphilitic background in chronic vertigo
Review of Clinical Studies and Evidence
- Pilot Study on Homeopathy in Ménière’s Disease:
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2005) published a study indicating that homeopathy, tailored to each patient, brought about fewer vertigo episodes and improved quality of life in patients with Ménière’s [3]. - Observational Study in Italy:
Bellavite et al. (2006) reported that elderly people in Italy gained better balance and experienced less vertigo after being treated with Conium, Gelsemium and Cocculus [3]. - Boiron France Clinical Audit:
The clinical audit of 430 patients with vertigo, who received Vertigoheel, showed that most patients were satisfied and experienced significant improvement without any adverse side effects [4].
Therapeutic Homoeopathic Remedies for Vertigo
Remedy | Indications |
|---|---|
Conium Maculatum | Vertigo when turning the head or lying down; worse from turning in bed |
Gelsemium | Vertigo with heaviness of the head and eyelids; post-viral weakness |
Cocculus Indicus | Vertigo with nausea and motion sickness; suited to exhausted individuals |
Bryonia Alba | Vertigo worse on slightest motion; better lying still |
Theridion | Extreme sensitivity to noise and motion; worse from closing eyes |
Lachesis | Vertigo on waking, especially worse on rising |
Tabacum | Violent vertigo with nausea, pallor, cold sweat |
Chenopodium | Useful in cases of Ménière’s disease; vertigo with tinnitus or hearing loss |
Differential Diagnosis Considerations
Condition | Characteristic Features |
|---|---|
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) | Brief vertigo episodes triggered by head position |
Vestibular Neuritis | Acute, prolonged vertigo with imbalance but no hearing loss |
Ménière’s Disease | Vertigo with tinnitus and fluctuating hearing loss |
Cerebellar Stroke | Sudden severe vertigo with inability to walk without support |
Conclusion
While most cases of vertigo are harmless, they can still have a big impact on someone’s daily life and suggest that there may be serious health issues. A homeopathic physician has to use their medical skill and knowledge of remedies to manage such cases well. A combination of symptom review and clinical and diagnostic findings can lead to choosing remedies that can yield significant relief and restore balance—both literally and constitutionally.
References
- Balaji M, Jayalakshmi S. Prevalence and etiology of vertigo in adult rural population. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002;54(2):125–30.
- Vertigo affects 1 in 10 people worldwide, women are at higher risk. The Economic Times Healthworld [Internet]. 2022 Nov 11 [cited 2025 May 21]. Available from: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/vertigo-affects-1-in-10-people-worldwide-women-are-at-higher-risk/95449006
- Bellavite P, Ortolani R, Conforti A. Homeopathy and integrative medicine: keeping an open mind. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(6):505–7.
- Kümmel G, Strosser W, Arnould J, et al. Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of Vertigoheel in patients with vertigo. Biomed Ther. 1999;17(2):108–12.
