Can Neurofeedback Help Vertigo?

In this 2002 study was published that demonstrated the successful treatment of vertigo with Neurofeedback. The study included assessment of brain waves before and after treatment, and showed changes in the areas of the brain associated with vertigo. These changes were still present 12 months after Neurofeedback treatment: Weiler, E. W., et al. “Neurofeedback and quantitative electroencephalography.” The international tinnitus journal 8.2 (2002): 87.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a kind of dizziness accompanied with the perception of a (spinning) motion. In other words, someone senses that he or his environment is spinning or moving. Sometimes this feeling lasts for a few seconds and is hardly noticed, in other situations the spinning sensation can be so strong that an uncomfortable loss of balance is experienced. In the case of severe vertigo, the symptoms reoccur constantly and can last even for a few days, impacting daily life negatively. The cause of vertigo is often contributed to dysfunction of the vestibular system; the sensory system, also called the balance mechanisms, which is located in the inner ear and influences movement and the sense of balance. However, vertigo is related to problems in certain areas of the brain as well.

Symptoms of Vertigo

The main symptoms associated with vertigo are nausea, vomiting and balance disturbances, resulting in falling, difficulties standing and/or walking. Depending on the dysfunction and brain area causing vertigo, additional symptoms can occur as well:

Treatment for Vertigo

Treatment options for (severe) vertigo depend on the cause. Two options are a treatment called the Epley’s maneuver and a specific rehabilitation training (‘VRT’), often performed by a doctor, chiropractor or therapist. Another option is medication, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines. However, these medications are mainly useful in the early stages and long term use is often discouraged.

Neurofeedback and Vertigo

Neurofeedback training is a natural and effective method to help you with Vertigo caused by brain injury, but also when there is no structural cause for the symptoms experienced. With Neurofeedback auditory processing can be improved and the brain can be trained to stabilize dizziness and headache without side effects.