What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a condition characterized by a sensation of dizziness or spinning, where a person feels like they or their surroundings are moving or rotating even when standing still. It is often associated with problems in the inner ear, but can also stem from other causes, such as issues with the central nervous system. Vertigo is not just a feeling of light headedness or general dizziness; it specifically involves the sensation of motion that is not actually happening.
What are Balance Disorders?
Balance disorders are conditions that make you feel unsteady, dizzy, or as though you are moving, floating, or spinning, even while standing still. These disorders affect your equilibrium and can increase the risk of falls. They are often linked to inner ear problems, visual disturbances, neurological conditions, or musculoskeletal issues.
Common Causes of Vertigo and Balance Disorders
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo and is caused by small calcium crystals (otoconia) that become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This affects your sense of balance and can cause brief episodes of spinning when moving your head.
2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (which connects the inner ear to the brain) or the inner ear (labyrinth) can cause vertigo, often accompanied by hearing loss or ringing in the ears. These conditions are typically viral in origin.
3. Meniere’s Disease: Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes recurrent episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It is often caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear.
4. Migrainous Vertigo (Vestibular Migraine): Individuals with migraines may experience episodes of vertigo, which can be associated with or without a headache. This is referred to as vestibular migraine.
5. Cervicogenic Dizziness: This form of dizziness is related to neck problems, often due to muscle stiffness or joint dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck). Poor posture, whiplash, or neck injuries can lead to cervicogenic dizziness.
6. Vestibular Hypofunction: Vestibular hypofunction occurs when the inner ear fails to send appropriate balance signals to the brain. This can be caused by infections, aging, or trauma, leading to ongoing balance issues.
7. Central Vertigo: Problems in the central nervous system (brainstem or cerebellum) due to conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or tumors can cause vertigo and balance issues.
Symptoms of Vertigo and Balance Disorders
The symptoms vary depending on the underlying condition, but common symptoms include:
• Spinning or swaying sensation (even when still).
• Unsteadiness or feeling off-balance.
• Nausea and vomiting, often triggered by head movements.
• Difficulty walking or standing without feeling dizzy.
• Visual disturbances, such as double vision or difficulty focusing.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss (common with Meniere’s disease).
• Headache or neck pain (in cases of cervicogenic dizziness or vestibular migraines).
How Active Pulse Physiotherapy Can Help with Vertigo and Balance Disorders
At Active Pulse Physiotherapy, we offer specialized treatment programs designed to address the root causes of vertigo and balance disorders. Our goal is to alleviate symptoms, improve balance, and help you regain confidence in your movements.
1. Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step in treatment is a thorough assessment by our physiotherapists. This includes:
• Medical history review: Understanding your symptoms, triggers, and past medical conditions.
• Physical examination: Testing your posture, balance, coordination, and neck mobility.
• Specialized tests: Including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver to assess for BPPV, and balance tests to evaluate your overall stability and any underlying vestibular dysfunction.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physiotherapy designed to treat vertigo and balance disorders. Our experienced physiotherapists develop customized programs that include:
• Balance retraining exercises: Tailored to improve coordination and reduce unsteadiness.
• Gaze stabilization exercises: These help improve eye and head movement coordination and reduce the sensation of dizziness.
• Vestibular habituation exercises: Designed to desensitize your vestibular system to movements that trigger vertigo. These exercises gradually expose you to movements or positions that bring on dizziness, helping your body adapt.
3. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver)
For patients with BPPV, we perform the Epley maneuver, a highly effective treatment that involves repositioning the calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear to their correct location. This simple, non-invasive procedure can provide immediate relief for many patients and significantly reduce vertigo episodes.
4. Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Techniques
In cases where neck issues contribute to dizziness, such as cervicogenic dizziness, we offer manual therapy techniques, including:
• Joint mobilization and manipulation: To improve neck mobility and reduce muscle tension.
• Soft tissue massage: To alleviate muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulders, which may contribute to symptoms.
These techniques are effective in restoring normal function to the cervical spine and reducing dizziness caused by poor neck posture or movement.
5. Strengthening and Balance Exercises
Our physiotherapists will work with you to develop a program that strengthens key muscles involved in maintaining balance, such as core muscles and lower limb muscles. Strengthening these areas improves stability, reduces the risk of falls, and enhances overall mobility.
6. Education and Lifestyle Modifications
We provide comprehensive education to help you manage your condition effectively. This includes:
• Posture correction: Advice on how to maintain proper posture, especially if neck problems contribute to your dizziness.
• Environmental modifications: Suggestions for fall-proofing your home and work environments to minimize the risk of injury.
• Trigger management: Identifying activities or movements that trigger vertigo and providing strategies to avoid or adapt to them.
7. Fall Prevention Strategies
If you’re at risk of falling due to balance issues, we offer personalized fall prevention training. Our physiotherapists will teach you how to maintain balance, respond to sudden dizziness, and move safely to prevent falls.