Vertigo / Vestibular

It’s more than just dizziness

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or tilting, often accompanied by feelings of unsteadiness. If you experience vertigo, you might feel like you’re spinning, swaying, or being pulled in a particular direction. It’s as if the world around you is in motion when it’s not. Let me delve into the details:

1. Causes:
   1. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo): This occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt the normal balance signals sent to the brain.
   2. Meniere’s Disease: An inner ear disorder linked to fluid buildup and pressure changes, causing vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.
   3. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Usually related to infection (often viral), leading to inflammation in the inner ear nerves responsible for balance.
   4. Other Causes: Head or neck injury, brain issues (like stroke or tumor), certain medications, and migraines can also trigger vertigo.
2. Symptoms:
   1. Spinning Sensation: Feeling like you’re spinning or moving.
   2. Lightheadedness: A false sense of motion.
   3. Unsteadiness: Loss of balance.
   4. Accompanying Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), headache, sweating, and ringing in the ears.
3. Treatment:
   1. Vestibular Rehabilitation: Physical therapy to strengthen the vestibular system.
   2. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Specific head and body movements to treat BPPV.
   3. Book Appointment at Olive Physio: Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and some cases resolve without intervention.

Comprehensive approach to vertigo management

At Olive Physiotherapy we take a comprehensive approach, considering factors such as inner ear function, posture, and muscle strength. By addressing the root causes, our qualified physiotherapist work closely with patients to make customised treatment plans which are aimed to provide long-term relief and improve quality of life.

Evidence-based treatment strategies

With a focus on evidence-based practice, at Olive physiotherapy our evidence base and research driven treatments utilizes proven techniques and interventions to effectively manage vertigo symptoms. From canalith repositioning maneuvers to vestibular rehabilitation exercises, treatment plans are tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient’s faster recovery.