Vertigo is a type of dizziness where you feel like the world is spinning. Nausea and vomiting are common, and you may feel unsteady. Vertigo is often eased by lying down and made worse by sitting up or moving. It’s not the same as simply feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded when getting up. Vertigo can be very disabling.
What Are the Causes of Vertigo?
Vertigo can have many causes. The most common cause is from a disturbance of the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear and brain that controls balance and maintains eye focus during movement. Special sensors in the inner ear send messages back to the brain that helps you maintain balance and focus.
Common causes for vestibular system problems include:
- Illness or disease
- Certain medications
- Head trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls, impact sports)
- Ear infections or diseases of the ear (neuritis, labyrinthitis)
- Aging
- Stroke and brain injury
How can your Max Physiotherapy Physiotherapist help?
Physiotherapists specifically trained to assess and treat vestibular problems are highly skilled at treating vertigo caused by vestibular problems. Research demonstrates vestibular rehabilitation improves balance, decreases dizziness/vertigo symptoms, and increases general activity levels.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for effective treatment. If your condition is suitable for vestibular rehabilitation, your physiotherapist may include one or all of the following:
- Balance retraining exercises
- Specific exercises for the vestibular system
- Special repositioning maneuver for vertigo caused by the crystals in the inner ear becoming stuck
- Monitor progress and continually challenge the vestibular, visual and balance systems
- A home program of individualized vestibular exercises
- Often improvement or complete resolution of symptoms can be achieved within 6-8 weeks.
Why to Expect at your initial Physiotherapy Assessment:
- Your physiotherapist will take a careful history to determine the type of vertigo
- Your physiotherapist will screen for conditions requiring medical follow-up
- Your physiotherapist will assess your balance and coordination
- Your physiotherapist will complete a full examination of your nervous system
- Your physiotherapist will assess your vestibular system using special eye and head movement testing
The entire team at Max Physiotherapy looks forward to providing you with the highest caliber of care in NE Calgary.
Call Max Physiotherapy at (403) 453-5000 to book your appointment for Vertigo Treatment today!
