Dizziness and Vertigo
Physiotherapy For Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo can be symptoms of vestibular dysfunction. These symptoms can be debilitating and tough to find help with. Vestibular Rehabilitation is a home-based exercise program that is an effective treatment for many causes of dizziness and vertigo.
Vertigo Symptoms
BPPV
What It Is
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. It typically causes a spinning sensation triggered by head movements or changes in position.
The spinning episodes are brief, lasting only a few seconds, but symptoms like nausea and imbalance can linger.
BPPV occurs when a crystal in your inner ear becomes dislodged and moves into one of the ear canals, where it disrupts balance signals.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
BPPV is treated with specific repositioning maneuvers that guide the crystal out of the canal where it’s stuck and return it to its proper place.
Different types of BPPV require specific maneuvers, but it can be effectively resolved by a vestibular physiotherapist. Most patients experience significant improvement quickly and return to normal activities with ease.
Neuritis
What It Is
Neuritis occurs when a viral infection affects a key nerve in the ear. This nerve plays a crucial role in transmitting hearing and balance information from the inner ear to the brain.
The condition typically begins with a severe spinning sensation (vertigo) lasting several days. Along with vertigo, neuritis often leads to:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Imbalance and difficulty walking
- Increased risk of falls
Even after the infection resolves, lingering dizziness and imbalance are common.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy focuses on improving your balance and coordination by addressing impaired head, eye, and body movements. Your Physiotherapist will develop an exercise program designed to help your brain and body adapt, improving stability and reducing dizziness.
Recovery may take 3-6 months, but most individuals regain full function and return to their daily activities with confidence.
Cervicogenic Dizziness
What It Is
Cervicogenic dizziness refers to dizziness originating from the neck. The joints and muscles in your neck constantly send signals to your brain about head position and posture.
When these joints or muscles become stiff, injured, or dysfunctional, the information sent to your brain can become inaccurate. This creates a mismatch between the signals from your neck, eyes, and inner ear, leading to sensations of dizziness or unsteadiness.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating cervicogenic dizziness by addressing the underlying mechanical cause. Treatment may include:
- Manual Therapy: Restores mobility in stiff or injured joints.
- Corrective Exercises: Strengthens the neck and upper back to support better posture and stability.
With physiotherapy, patients often experience significant improvement in symptoms, and recovery is typically quick and effective. If you’re struggling with cervicogenic dizziness, physiotherapy can help you regain control and confidence in your daily life.
Vestibular Hypofunction
Vestibular hypofunction is a condition where the inner ear does not function properly. Each ear contains a vestibular system that works together to help maintain balance.
- Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction occurs when only one vestibular system is affected.
- Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction occurs when both systems are impaired.
This condition can cause:
- Dizziness and imbalance
- A tendency to fall to one side or bump into walls
- Difficulty keeping vision steady during head movements
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Click here to learn about Vestibular Rehab Therapy.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is a hereditary inner ear disorder caused by a buildup of fluid pressure in the inner ear. This condition can disrupt your balance and hearing, leading to:
- Severe vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Fullness or pressure in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Hearing loss, which may become progressive
While there is currently no cure for Meniere’s disease, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
How Vestibular Therapy Can Help
Although vestibular therapy cannot cure Meniere’s disease, it can play an important role in recovery after an attack. A structured exercise program can help to “recalibrate” your balance system, reducing dizziness and improving stability.
If you’re dealing with Meniere’s disease, seeking support and therapy can help you regain control over your daily activities and reduce the impact of symptoms.
Get vertigo treatment now!