How to Get Rid of Inner Ear Crystals and Reduce Vertigo
If your vertigo is caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the problem is often tiny calcium carbonate crystals (called otoconia) that have moved into the wrong part of the inner ear. This can cause brief episodes of spinning when you:
- Roll over in bed
- Look up
- Bend over
- Turn your head quickly
The goal is not to dissolve the crystals, but to move them back to where they belong.
A common treatment: Canalith repositioning maneuvers
Healthcare professionals often use maneuvers such as the Epley maneuver to guide the crystals back into the correct part of the inner ear. These maneuvers can be very effective for BPPV, but they should be done correctly because the sequence depends on which ear and which semicircular canal is affected.
Some people are taught how to perform these maneuvers at home after receiving the correct diagnosis.
What can help
- Move slowly when getting out of bed.
- Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute before standing.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Reduce your risk of falls by keeping your home well lit and free of tripping hazards.
- If symptoms persist, ask about vestibular rehabilitation therapy, a type of physical therapy that can improve balance and reduce dizziness.
What usually does not help
There is no scientific evidence that special drinks, supplements, or home remedies can “dissolve” or remove inner ear crystals.
When to seek urgent medical care
Vertigo can sometimes be caused by something more serious than BPPV. Seek immediate medical attention if dizziness is accompanied by:
- Weakness or numbness on one side
- Difficulty speaking
- Double vision
- Fainting
- Severe, sudden headache
- Chest pain
- Difficulty walking that is new or severe
See a healthcare professional if
- Vertigo lasts for hours instead of seconds.
- You have hearing loss, ringing in one ear, or ear pain.
- Symptoms keep returning or are getting worse.
- You have frequent falls or significant balance problems.
