Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy—it’s the sensation that the world around you is spinning, even when you’re standing still. For many, this unsettling condition can be disorienting and, at times, debilitating. Understanding what causes vertigo and how it can be managed is key to regaining control over your balance and daily life. One often overlooked but effective treatment is physical therapy, which can significantly reduce or eliminate vertigo symptoms for many individuals.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo itself is not a disease but a symptom of various underlying conditions. It often occurs due to issues in the inner ear or problems affecting the balance centers of the brain. There are two main types of vertigo:
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Peripheral Vertigo: This is the most common type and is usually caused by problems in the inner ear, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Ménière’s disease, or vestibular neuritis.
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Central Vertigo: This type is less common and is caused by issues in the brain, such as migraines, strokes, or multiple sclerosis.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Several conditions can lead to vertigo, but the most common include:
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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) move from one part of the inner ear to another, disrupting balance signals to the brain.
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Ménière’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can lead to vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
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Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Infections that inflame the inner ear or the nerve connecting it to the brain, causing vertigo and sometimes hearing loss.
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Migraines: In some cases, migraines can cause vertigo without the classic headache, known as vestibular migraines.
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Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury: Damage to the brain or brainstem can disrupt balance and lead to central vertigo.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Besides the sensation of spinning, people with vertigo often experience other symptoms, including:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unsteady balance
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Sweating
The intensity and frequency of vertigo episodes can vary greatly from person to person, but even mild episodes can significantly affect quality of life.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Many people don’t realize that physical therapy can be highly effective in treating vertigo, especially when the condition is related to inner ear disorders like BPPV or vestibular neuritis. Physical therapists trained in vestibular rehabilitation can design specific exercises and treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve balance.
Here’s how physical therapy can make a difference:
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Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): This specialized type of therapy focuses on exercises that help retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the inner ear. VRT improves coordination between the eyes, ears, and brain to reduce dizziness and imbalance. The exercises may include head and eye movements, balance training, and walking exercises.
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Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For individuals with BPPV, physical therapists can perform a series of movements to guide the misplaced calcium particles back into their proper position. This technique, often called the Epley maneuver, can provide immediate relief for many patients.
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Balance Training: Vertigo often leads to poor balance and a fear of falling. Physical therapists help patients regain confidence and stability through balance and gait training exercises, designed to improve strength and coordination.
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Habituation Exercises: If certain movements or positions trigger vertigo symptoms, therapists may recommend habituation exercises to reduce the brain's sensitivity to these triggers. Repeated exposure to specific motions can help the brain adapt and reduce vertigo symptoms over time.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your physical therapist will start with a thorough evaluation to understand your specific vertigo triggers, symptoms, and underlying causes. Based on this assessment, they’ll create a customized treatment plan to target the root cause of your vertigo.
Treatment sessions typically involve hands-on techniques, guided exercises, and education on self-management strategies for preventing future episodes. Many patients notice improvement after just a few sessions, especially when dealing with BPPV, though others may require ongoing therapy to fully resolve their symptoms.
If vertigo has been disrupting your life, physical therapy could offer the relief you’ve been seeking. Whether your vertigo is caused by an inner ear problem like BPPV or another balance disorder, vestibular rehabilitation and balance training can make a significant difference. By working with a trained physical therapist, you can regain control of your balance, reduce dizziness, and improve your quality of life.
If you’re experiencing vertigo and are looking for solutions, consider consulting a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular disorders. You don’t have to live with the spinning—help is available!