Vertigo Dizziness Treatment
Vertigo is the feeling of off-balance, a sensation that one’s surroundings are moving or spinning around them. While normal feelings of dizziness can be caused by a wide range of issues, vertigo is actually a sign that some part of the vestibular system is not communicating correctly with the brain. The vestibular system gives us awareness or feedback about where our head is in space and can be pretty frightening when it’s not operating correctly. Other indications of a vestibular dysfunction could be blurred vision, motion sensitivity, or difficulty walking. If you’re experiencing symptoms of dizziness or what you think may be vertigo, it’s important to pinpoint the source of the problem to ensure that you receive the necessary treatment.
What causes Vertigo?
The most common cause of vertigo occurs when crystals of calcium carbonate detach from a membrane in the inner ear and become displaced inside one of its semicircular canals. When the head moves, these crystals shift and send false signals to the brain, leading to vertigo and abnormal movement of the eyes. Symptoms are most noticeable during positional changes like rolling over in bed, bending over, tilting your head back, or turning the head quickly from one side to the other. Other causes include (but are not limited to) vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, inflammatory conditions that result from an inner ear infection, or Meniere’s disease, an excess buildup of fluid or lymph in the inner ear.
When should I seek treatment for vertigo?
It’s important to obtain an accurate diagnosis if you’re experiencing signs of vertigo including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or abnormal eye movements. Your treatment will depend on the particular diagnosis and oftentimes may include physical therapy.
How can physical therapy help with vertigo?
Your physical therapist will perform a series of tests and implement different maneuvers involving the positioning of your head to determine what is causing your symptoms. They will then develop an individualized plan of care to target the areas in need of help to minimize and eventually eliminate the symptoms of vertigo. They’ll also include:
• Functional testing to assess your gait and locate any areas of muscle imbalance.
• Oculomotor exam to assess and detect impairments of your gaze and the movement of your eyes.
• Balance training to strengthen any areas of weakness and restore deficits to help you reduce your risk of falling and safely return to your prior level of activity.
Physical therapists can provide the necessary tools to treat symptoms of vertigo, allowing you to return to your favorite activities pain-free and better than ever! To learn more about vertigo or to eliminate any current discomfort, book a physical therapy assessment today.
Request an Appointment“I came to Therapydia and felt well supported with treatments that really made a difference. I have confidence that with the exercises I will continue to do, I will continue the gain of function and the lessening of pain.”
