Why Am I Dizzy? Common Causes and How Vestibular Therapy Can Help - Westminster Colorado Physical Therapists

Dizziness is one of the most unsettling sensations a person can experience. It can strike suddenly, leaving individuals feeling unsteady, disoriented, or even as if the world around them is spinning. For some, dizziness may pass quickly, but for others, it becomes a chronic condition that impacts daily life. Whether it’s a fleeting episode or a persistent problem, understanding the root cause of dizziness is the first step toward finding relief.

Understanding Dizziness

Dizziness is a broad term used to describe a range of sensations. Some people report feeling faint or lightheaded, while others describe a spinning or tilting feeling known as vertigo. Dizziness can also include feelings of imbalance or unsteadiness, especially when walking or standing. It’s a common complaint, with findings estimating that up to 35% of adults over the age of 40 will experience some form of balance dysfunction during their lifetime.

Though dizziness itself isn’t a disease, it is often a symptom of an underlying condition that requires careful assessment and targeted treatment.

Common Causes of Dizziness

There are many possible reasons why someone might feel dizzy. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
   BPPV occurs when small calcium carbonate crystals become dislodged and move into the inner ear’s semicircular canals. This movement sends false signals to the brain about head position, leading to brief episodes of vertigo, particularly when changing positions such as rolling over in bed or looking up.
2. Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
   These conditions involve inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures, typically triggered by a viral infection. People with vestibular neuritis often experience sudden, severe vertigo, nausea, and imbalance that can last for days.
3. Meniere’s Disease
   This chronic condition is marked by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear. It can cause spontaneous episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Meniere’s Disease is often unpredictable and can significantly impact quality of life.
4. Vestibular Migraines
   Unlike traditional migraines, vestibular migraines may not involve headaches. Instead, they cause dizziness, balance problems, and sensitivity to motion. Episodes can last anywhere from minutes to hours.
5. Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
   A blow to the head can damage the vestibular system and lead to ongoing dizziness, headaches, and balance issues. This type of dizziness may require both neurological and vestibular rehabilitation.
6. Cervicogenic Dizziness
   This type of dizziness originates from the neck. Poor posture, neck injuries, or cervical spine disorders can cause abnormal sensory input that leads to a feeling of unsteadiness or dizziness.
7. Neurological Conditions
   Certain neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease, can affect balance and coordination. Dizziness from these conditions is usually accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
8. Age-Related Changes
   As people age, the function of the vestibular system can decline naturally. Combined with changes in vision and proprioception, this can lead to an increased risk of dizziness and falls.

The Vestibular System Explained

The vestibular system plays a critical role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Located in the inner ear, it includes structures such as the semicircular canals and otolith organs that detect movement and changes in head position. The vestibular system sends signals to the brain to coordinate movement and balance.

The information from the vestibular system integrates with visual input from the eyes and proprioceptive input from muscles and joints. When the vestibular system is impaired, these signals can become distorted, leading to dizziness and imbalance.

What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)?

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to reduce dizziness and balance problems associated with vestibular dysfunction. VRT is not a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it is a personalized therapy plan tailored to each individual’s specific diagnosis and symptoms.

The primary goals of VRT are to:

• Reduce or eliminate dizziness
• Improve balance and coordination
• Enhance the ability to focus and stabilize vision during head movements
• Increase confidence in performing daily activities without fear of falling

Common Techniques Used in VRT

VRT typically involves targeted exercises that promote central nervous system compensation for vestibular deficits. Some of the most commonly used techniques include:

Gaze Stabilization Exercises
These exercises help improve control of eye movements so individuals can keep their vision stable when the head is in motion. This can reduce visual blurring and dizziness during activities.

Balance Training
Patients practice standing and walking under various conditions and surfaces to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and prevent falls.

Habituation Exercises
For patients whose dizziness is triggered by specific movements, habituation exercises help reduce sensitivity by repeatedly exposing them to the provoking stimuli in a controlled way.

How FYZICAL Can Help

FYZICAL offers expert vestibular rehabilitation services designed to reduce dizziness and improve balance. Care begins with a detailed assessment to understand the underlying causes of symptoms. The next step focuses on a customized approach that may include balance retraining, gaze stabilization, and exercises using advanced equipment like the Safety Overhead Support (SOS) system to ensure safety during therapy.

Licensed physical therapists at FYZICAL possess advanced clinical training in vestibular care and use a whole-body wellness approach. By combining innovative technology with individualized care, FYZICAL helps individuals regain stability and confidence in daily activities.

When to Seek Help

Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Persistent or recurrent dizziness.
• Difficulty maintaining balance.
• Frequent falls or fear of falling.
• Dizziness accompanied by other symptoms like hearing loss or visual disturbances.

Early intervention can prevent complications and facilitate a quicker recovery.

Conclusion

Dizziness can be unsettling and disruptive but it does not have to control daily life. From inner ear conditions to neurological changes, many causes of dizziness respond well to vestibular rehabilitation. With proper care it is possible to regain balance and move confidently through everyday activities.

To explore personalized care options and start feeling steady again, schedule a consultation at FYZICAL Westminster or FYZICAL Orchard Town Center.

FYZICAL Westminster
11265 Decatur Street, Suite 300, Westminster, CO, 80234
303.561.0447
westminster@fyzical.com

FYZICAL Orchard Town Center
14697 Delaware Street, Suite 240B, Westminster, CO, 80023
303.561.0447
orchard@fyzical.co