Mom's Vertigo

Initial Symptoms

Recently, my mother started experiencing vertigo symptoms, especially when she suddenly turned her head or changed postures. Sometimes she described feeling like "the world is spinning," needing to sit down or hold onto something to steady herself. Initially, we all thought it was just ordinary fatigue or blood pressure issues, but after the symptoms persisted for a while, we realized it might be vertigo.

Medical Journey

After the symptoms persisted for two weeks, my brother and I started a series of medical examinations with our mother, hoping to find the root cause of the vertigo:

1. Zhongshan Hospital: First, we went to Zhongshan Hospital for brain MRI and carotid artery ultrasound examinations. The results showed these aspects were all normal. This ruled out brain problems and carotid stenosis, which are common causes of vertigo.

2. ENT Hospital: Next, we took our mother to the ENT hospital to check her ears, since inner ear problems are also a common cause of vertigo. The doctor performed a detailed vestibular function assessment, and the results showed my mother's ears were also normal.

3. Renji Hospital: Finally, we went to Renji Hospital for cervical spine examination. This examination revealed the source of the problem. The cervical spine examination showed my mother's cervical spine problems were quite severe, possibly causing mobility issues and blood vessel compression, which is likely the main reason why her recent vertigo symptoms have been getting worse.

The doctor explained that cervical spine problems can directly affect blood supply to the brain. Especially when the head turns, damaged cervical spine may compress the vertebral artery, causing temporary reduction in blood flow and leading to vertigo. Additionally, damage to proprioceptors in the neck can send incorrect signals to the brain, causing balance problems.

Treatment Methods

Based on the diagnosis of cervical spine problems, the doctor developed a corresponding treatment plan:

1. Medication Treatment: The doctor prescribed some vestibular suppressants to help control symptoms, especially during vertigo episodes.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments: Advised my mother to avoid sudden head movements, use an extra pillow when sleeping, and move slowly when getting up.

3. Non-Pharmacological Treatment: Later, we discovered my mother's vertigo might be related to cervical spine problems, so I researched some non-pharmacological treatment methods suitable for elderly people.

Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Cervical Spine-Related Vertigo

After in-depth research, I compiled several safe and effective non-pharmacological methods for my mother, especially suitable for elderly people to safely implement at home:

1. Heat Therapy: Use a hot water bottle or hot towel on the neck, controlling temperature at 50-60°C, 15-20 minutes each time, twice daily. Heat therapy can improve local blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and stiffness, reducing compression of nerves and blood vessels.

2. Gentle Cervical Spine Health Exercises:

   • Slow head tilt forward and back: Sit upright, slowly lower head forward, feeling the stretch in the back of the neck, hold 5 seconds; then slowly tilt back, hold 5 seconds, repeat 5-8 times.
   • Gentle head rotation: Sitting position, slowly rotate head to the left, hold 5 seconds, then rotate to the right, hold 5 seconds, repeat 5-8 times.
   • Shoulder raises and relaxation: Raise both shoulders up, hold 5 seconds, then completely relax, repeat 5-8 times.

3. Maintaining Correct Posture: Instructed my mother to maintain correct sitting posture, avoid prolonged head lowering, and raise electronic devices to eye level when using them.

4. Choosing Appropriate Pillow: Selected a medium-height (about 8-10 cm) memory foam pillow for my mother to maintain natural cervical spine curvature, reduce nighttime neck pressure, and improve sleep quality.

5. Gentle Massage: Taught family members how to gently massage from the back of the neck to both sides using thumb and index finger, 5-10 minutes each time. Massage can relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation.

6. Progressive Balance Training: Starting from simple standing with feet together, gradually transitioning to more challenging balance exercises to improve vestibular function and body coordination.

7. Assistive Devices: I also purchased an SKG neck massager for my mother, hoping to help her relieve neck discomfort and reduce vertigo symptoms through professional equipment. We will evaluate its effectiveness after using it for a while.

Recovery Process

One week after starting treatment, my mother's symptoms have improved somewhat, but she still occasionally experiences mild vertigo. We persist in performing Epley maneuvers and cervical spine health exercises daily, and strictly follow the doctor's advice to adjust lifestyle habits. I also set up handrails at home to ensure she has support when walking. Using the SKG neck massager and heat therapy every evening has also become part of her daily care routine.

Later, my mother started using the SKG neck massager, using it every evening. She feels the effect is good, saying her neck feels very comfortable after use, and the vertigo symptoms have also reduced significantly.

Psychological Support

Vertigo not only affects physical health but also brings psychological stress. My mother has reduced outdoor activities due to fear of falling, which makes her feel somewhat depressed. As family members, we need to not only help her with physical therapy but also provide psychological support, encouraging her to maintain an optimistic attitude.

Current Status

It's been a month of treatment now, and my mother's symptoms have significantly improved. She can perform daily activities without much discomfort, only experiencing mild vertigo when extremely tired or stressed. The doctor says her recovery is going well. If she continues to persist with treatment and precautions, there's a good chance of complete recovery.

Experience Sharing

Through this experience, I learned several important points about vertigo that I hope can help others facing similar situations:

1. Don't ignore persistent vertigo symptoms; timely medical consultation is important
2. Patiently execute repositioning maneuvers recommended by doctors; effects usually aren't immediate
3. Adjusting home environment can effectively reduce accident risks
4. Psychological support is equally important as actual treatment
5. Learning more relevant knowledge helps patients and families build confidence

Although vertigo is not a serious disease, it does affect quality of daily life. When feeling uncomfortable, the world spins, and severe cases involve vomiting. I hope that by sharing my mother's experience, I can provide some reference and help to others.

Future Plans

The doctor recommends my mother continue regular follow-ups and learn some balance training methods to prevent possible future recurrence. We also plan to set up a small exercise area at home to help her with these training exercises.

Health truly is life's greatest wealth. Seeing my mother gradually recover fills me with relief. Mutual support between family members is perhaps the best medicine for getting through difficult times.