Protocol · Neurological Health
Vertigo Management Support Protocol
Vitamin D and Ginkgo Biloba are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Vertigo Management Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · 1 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (target >30 ng/mL) | Deficiency linked to BPPV recurrence; calcium metabolism affects otoconia in inner ear; supplementation may reduce BPPV episodes | Not graded yet | |
| Ginkgo Biloba | Amount listed: 120–240 mg standardized extract daily | Improves blood flow to inner ear; studied for vestibular vertigo; may reduce symptoms | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Ginger | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily or as needed for nausea | Antiemetic properties; helps with nausea and motion sickness associated with vertigo
| Grade C for Dizziness1 study · 8 people | |
| Calcium | Amount listed: 1,000–1,200 mg daily (from diet + supplements) | Works with vitamin D; low calcium may contribute to BPPV by affecting otoconia | Not graded yet | |
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Supports nervous system function; may help with migraine-associated vertigo | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin B12 | Amount listed: 1,000 mcg daily if deficient or borderline | Deficiency can cause vestibular dysfunction; should be checked especially in elderly with vertigo | Not graded yet | |
| CoQ10 | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | May help with migraine-associated vertigo through mitochondrial support | Not graded yet | |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | Amount listed: 400 mg daily for migraine prevention | Helps prevent migraines, which can cause vestibular symptoms | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It's not the same as lightheadedness or feeling faint. Vertigo is usually caused by inner ear problems but can also have central nervous system causes.
COMMON CAUSES:
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo): Most common; crystals in inner ear displaced; brief spinning with head movements; treated with repositioning maneuvers (Epley)
- Vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis: Viral infection of inner ear; prolonged vertigo; resolves over weeks
- Meniere's disease: Inner ear disorder with vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness
- Vestibular migraine: Migraine-related dizziness; may or may not have headache
- Central causes: Stroke, MS, tumors - less common but serious
WHEN TO SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION:
- Vertigo with severe headache
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness
- Difficulty walking or coordinating movements
- Double vision
- Hearing loss with vertigo
PRIMARY TREATMENT depends on the cause:
- BPPV: Epley maneuver or other repositioning (very effective)
- Vestibular neuritis: Time, vestibular rehabilitation
- Meniere's: Low-salt diet, diuretics, various treatments
- Vestibular migraine: Migraine prevention and treatment
Vitamin D* deficiency is linked to BPPV. A clinical trial showed supplementation reduced BPPV recurrence. The inner ear contains calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia), and calcium/vitamin D metabolism affects them.
Ginkgo Biloba* has been studied for vestibular vertigo and may improve blood flow to the inner ear.
Ginger* helps with the nausea that often accompanies vertigo.
For migraine-associated vertigo*: Magnesium, CoQ10, and riboflavin may help as migraine preventives.
Expected timeline: BPPV often resolves in days to weeks with proper treatment. Other causes vary widely. Supplements provide supportive benefit over weeks to months.