Have you ever heard of somebody complaining of Vertigo, but not quite sure what it is?
Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance, like the world is spinning around you. You might feel nauseous, headachy or like you are being pulled to one direction.
What causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is most often caused by an inner ear problem. Some conditions that may cause Vertigo include:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)- BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles move from their normal location and into to the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for sending our brain messages about where we are in relation to space. When these calcium particles are moved, these messages become confused.
Meniere’s disease- This is an inner ear disorder that is believed to be due to a buildup of fluid which can change the usual pressure in the inner ear. Meniere’s Disease can cause symptoms of vertigo as well as tinnitus and hearing loss.
Vestibular neuritis- This is usually due to an infection within the inner ear. The infection can interrupt the nervous system within the ear, impacting balance.
What are common symptoms of Vertigo?
Common symptoms include:
- Spinning, tilting and swaying
- Feeling unbalanced or pulled to one direction
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Headaches and ringing in the ears
Treatment for Vertigo
Treatment will vary depending on why Vertigo is present. Firstly, we need to find out if it is due to changes in calcium particle placement, fluid build up or an infection.
Once the cause has been determined, there are some different treatment options:
Vestibular rehabilitation – This type of rehabilitation should be completed by a trained specialist such as a Physiotherapist or Doctor. The aim of this rehabilitation is to strengthen the vestibular system, helping to improve the signals from the inner ear to the brain.
Canalith repositioning manoeuvres – These are a series of specific head and body movements to treat BPPV. These can bring on the symptoms of Vertigo, but help to move the calcium particles into the inner ear chamber.
Medication and GP intervention – Medication can help to relieve some symptoms such as nausea or reduce inflammation and swelling.
Do you need help?
At Bloom Allied Health we offer Physiotherapy Vestibular Rehabilitation.
Our Physiotherapist is expertly trained in diagnosing and treating Vertigo to help minimise short and long term symptoms. They can guide Canalith repositioning manoeuvres and offer other solutions depending on why Vertigo is occuring.
Need help? Contact us today to learn more!
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