How to Get Rid of Inner Ear Crystals and Reduce Vertigo
If your vertigo is caused by Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), tiny calcium crystals (called otoconia) have moved into one of the inner ear’s balance canals. This can cause brief episodes of spinning dizziness when you:
- Roll over in bed
- Look up
- Bend down
- Turn your head quickly
The crystals don’t dissolve or disappear on their own. Instead, the goal is to move them back to where they belong.
The Most Effective Treatment
The treatment with the strongest evidence is a canalith repositioning manoeuvre, such as the Epley manoeuvre.
This involves a series of head and body movements designed to guide the crystals out of the balance canal.
Many people experience significant improvement after one or two treatments, although some need repeated sessions.
Can You Do It at Home?
If a healthcare professional has confirmed that you have BPPV and shown you the correct technique, some people can safely perform the manoeuvre at home if symptoms recur.
However, it’s important not to assume all vertigo is BPPV. The manoeuvre is only appropriate for certain types of positional vertigo and may not help—or could worsen symptoms—if the diagnosis is different.
Other Things That May Help
While recovering:
- Move slowly when getting out of bed.
- Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute before standing.
- Reduce your risk of falls by keeping your home well lit and free of trip hazards.
- Stay hydrated.
Routine medications generally do not move the crystals. Medicines that suppress dizziness may be used for short-term symptom relief in some situations but are not a cure for BPPV.
When Vertigo May Be Something Else
Not all dizziness is caused by displaced inner ear crystals. Other causes include:
- Inner ear infections
- Ménière’s disease
- Migraine-associated vertigo
- Low blood pressure
- Medication side effects
- Less commonly, stroke or other neurological conditions
Seek Emergency Medical Care If You Have Vertigo With:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
- Double vision or sudden vision loss
- Difficulty walking that is severe or new
- A severe, sudden headache unlike previous headaches
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms can indicate a stroke or another medical emergency.
See a Healthcare Professional If:
- Your vertigo lasts more than a few days.
- Episodes keep returning.
- You have hearing loss, ringing in one ear, or ear pain.
- You’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to BPPV.
- The dizziness is severe enough to interfere with daily activities or causes falls.
