Vertigo is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a sensation of dizziness, spinning, or a feeling of loss of balance, which can significantly impact an individual's daily life. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Stone Oak we understand the challenges that come with vertigo and are dedicated to helping our patients find relief and regain their quality of life.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates the sensation of movement, either of the individual or of the environment around them. It is often described as a feeling of spinning, swaying, or tilting, and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.
According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, "Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or whirling, even when you are standing still or lying down. It is a symptom, not a disease, and it can be caused by problems in the inner ear or the brain." 1
Symptoms of Vertigo
The primary symptom of vertigo is the sensation of spinning or movement, either of the individual or of the surrounding environment. However, vertigo can also be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred or double vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling of imbalance or unsteadiness
The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause of the vertigo.
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from inner ear disorders to neurological conditions. Some of the most common causes of vertigo include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of vertigo and is caused by the displacement of tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) within the inner ear. This can happen due to head trauma, aging, or unknown reasons.
- Vestibular Neuronitis: Also known as labyrinthitis, this condition is caused by inflammation or infection of the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which transmits information about balance and movement to the brain.
- Ménière's Disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected ear.
- Acoustic Neuroma: Also known as a vestibular schwannoma, this is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the main nerve from the ear to the brain (the vestibular nerve).
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): In some cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke or a TIA, which is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.
- Migraine: Vertigo can be a symptom of migraine headaches, and some individuals may experience vertigo as a precursor to a migraine attack.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can sometimes cause vertigo as a side effect.
It is important to note that the specific cause of vertigo can often be determined through a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests.
Treating Vertigo with FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Stone Oak
At FYZICAL Stone Oak, we understand the impact that vertigo can have on an individual's life, and we are dedicated to providing effective and personalized treatment solutions. Our team of highly trained physical therapists and balance specialists work closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of the vertigo and helps to alleviate the associated symptoms.
One of the most effective treatments for vertigo is a specialized form of physical therapy known as vestibular rehabilitation. This therapy focuses on improving the function of the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and coordinating movement. By performing specific exercises and therapies, patients can often regain their balance, reduce their symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life.
"Vestibular rehabilitation is a highly effective treatment for many types of vertigo and vestibular disorders," says the Vestibular Disorders Association. "The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to help the person adapt, compensate, and recover from the vestibular dysfunction, and minimize the degree of impairment in daily life." 1
At FYZICAL Stone Oak, our vestibular rehabilitation programs may include:
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: These specialized exercises, such as the Epley maneuver, are designed to move the displaced calcium crystals (otoconia) back into their proper position within the inner ear, relieving the symptoms of BPPV.
- Balance and Gait Training: Our physical therapists work with patients to improve their balance, coordination, and stability through a variety of exercises and activities.
- Vestibular Adaptation Exercises: These exercises are designed to help the brain adapt to and compensate for the vestibular dysfunction, reducing the severity and frequency of vertigo episodes.
- Visual and Oculomotor Exercises: These exercises focus on improving the coordination between the eyes and the vestibular system, which is essential for maintaining balance and visual stability.
- Postural and Positional Training: Patients are taught specific techniques and strategies to manage their vertigo symptoms in different body positions and during various daily activities.
In addition to vestibular rehabilitation, our team also recommend other treatments, such as medications, dietary changes, or lifestyle modifications, depending on the underlying cause of the vertigo.
Conclusion
Vertigo can be a debilitating and disruptive condition, but with the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage the symptoms and improve one's quality of life. At FYZICAL Stone Oak, our therapists are dedicated to helping patients find relief from vertigo through personalized, evidence-based treatments and compassionate care.
If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of vertigo, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help. Together, we can work towards restoring your balance and getting you back to living your best life.
Footnotes
- Vestibular Disorders Association. (n.d.). Vestibular Rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/vestibular-rehabilitation/