Everything you need to know about Vertigo to Feel better!
Have you ever experienced what it feels like to lie down or stand still but you or the world around you is moving? Does this sound familiar? This feeling is VERY similar to the feeling of vertigo!
Vertigo is described as a spinning sensation, so much that it affects your balance. It may also bring on nausea, motion sickness, and disorientation. In fact, many people will experience this at some point in their lifetime, and the likelihood, unfortunately, increases as we age.
The good news is that there are treatments for vertigo that can help you… just keep reading to learn more!
What causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly caused by problems with your vestibular system… a complex system in your inner ear that’s responsible for telling your brain where your body is in space and helping you stay balanced and coordinated.
When there’s a miscommunication between the vestibular system and your brain you can experience problems with your balance or symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo.
It’s important to remember that vertigo itself is not a disease, but a symptom of other things that may be going on in your body!
The most common vestibular disturbances leading to vertigo are:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. Symptoms are a result of small crystals that dislodge and end up in your inner ear fluid. Most cases of BPPV occur spontaneously, with no known cause. In this condition, a rapid change in head movement, such as when you turn over in bed, triggers vertigo. This then causes the spinning/dizzy sensation. Previous head trauma or surgery could increase your likelihood of experiencing this.
2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear labyrinth results in vertigo symptoms. This condition is often caused by a viral infection. Symptoms can come on very suddenly and go away in a few weeks.
3. Meniere’s Disease
This is caused by a buildup of fluid and/or changes in pressure within your inner ear. Meniere’s disease can also cause a fluctuating hearing impairment or ringing in your ears.
If you’re experiencing symptoms related to vertigo, it is important to speak to your physician in order to determine the root cause and help you on the path to treatment!
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of vertigo will vary from person to person, however, you may feel:
- Dizziness
- Feeling as if you are spinning, swaying, tilting, etc.
- Nausea or vomiting
- A headache
- Hearing changes such as a ringing in your ears or hearing loss
What is the Treatment for Vertigo?
As previously mentioned, vertigo itself is not a disease by which there is a “cure”. However, there are a number of ways you can treat vertigo and its associated symptoms.
Vertigo is treated differently based on the cause and severity. Therefore, you should always speak to your doctor about the type of treatment most appropriate for you.
Here are some common treatments:
1. Vestibular Physiotherapy
Did you know that Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that treats issues and conditions affecting the vestibular systems.
In fact, Vestibular physiotherapists have completed extensive post-graduate training in how to assess and treat vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders.
Vestibular physiotherapy can include things such as:
- Canalith repositioning maneuver – your physiotherapist will take you through various head movements which will help the little crystals in your inner ear to stop sending false signals of movement to your brain and decrease your symptoms
- Gaze stabilization exercises – These exercises will have you practice moving your head while keeping your gaze focused on an unmoving object in order to improve how well your visual system is working with your vestibular system
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- Habituation – this consists of exercises which may cause small amounts of dizziness and symptoms that will allow your brain to decrease the abnormal warning signs from your vestibular system that are occurring
- Balance exercises – these exercises will challenge your balance, such as this tandem stance outlined in our newsletter, in order to teach your body to stay stable and reduce the risk of falling
Vestibular therapists will work with you to determine activities that are most difficult to you, positions that cause symptoms and what your goals are! They will help to assess you and work with you in order to create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
Luckily, there are physiotherapists here at PhysioPlus who are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation to get you back on track
2. Medications
Medications can be used to address and manage some of the symptoms that are associated with vertigo and its various causes. The most common medications prescribed would be for the management of nausea and motion sickness often felt by vertigo sufferers. Medications can also be prescribed to help with specific causes, such as infection or fluid retention.
3. Surgery
In specialized cases, surgery may be indicated to decrease or alleviate symptoms of vertigo. This may be due to tumors in the inner ear or neck injuries.
What should I do about my Symptoms?
Now that you’ve learned more about your vertigo symptoms such as causes, symptoms and treatment options you might be wondering what to do next. Luckily, there are a number of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, who are specially trained to help!
In short, if you’re experiencing symptoms of dizziness and vertigo, a vestibular physiotherapist can help you! A vestibular physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment including a history of symptoms, physical examination, and goals for treatments. This will help to get an idea of the cause of the symptoms which will help to guide treatment. It will also help to determine if there are any contributions that may warrant a referral back to your family doctor.
Although vertigo is a common condition, affecting 35% of people over the age of 40, it doesn’t mean your symptoms need to negatively impact your life and function. Vestibular physiotherapists can help to provide you with the tools to manage and improve your vertigo symptoms and get back to all of your favorite activities!
If you would like to start your Vestibular rehabilitation journey today call 437-747-6236 or book an appointment online!
This blog was written by Hayley Sevigny, a Physiotherapy student at the University of Toronto
FAQ
What is Vertigo?
The symptoms of vertigo feels as through either you, or the room around you, is spinning. The symptoms can be minor, or so intense they limit your ability to perform daily tasks.
How do you treat Vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly treated conservatively with Vestibular physiotherapy. This may include hands on assessment, maneuvers to aid the problem, and home exercises.
Does Vertigo go away?
While the symptoms of vertigo may resolve on their own, often an underlying inner ear issue causes the symptom of vertigo, and without properly addressing it you will remain susceptible to symptoms returning.