WHAT IS VERTIGO?
Vertigo is often the result of an imbalance in your inner ear, also known as the “vestibular system.” Your vestibular system helps you maintain your balance and center of gravity by sending messages to your brain regarding the position you are in or the movements you are performing.
When the vestibular system is impaired, the messages to your brain are altered, and your movement becomes affected. You may feel like the world is spinning around you, you can’t focus your vision for prolonged periods, or you can’t stand/move appropriately without feeling like you’ll topple over.
There are several causes of vertigo, but a common cause is BPPV or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. It occurs when the tiny crystals in your inner ear become dislodged from their normal location and relocate in one the three semicircular canals of your inner ear.
Most cases of BPPV occur with no known cause, but a rapid change in head movement, such as when you turn over in bed, can often trigger an episode of vertigo. This then causes the spinning/dizzy sensation. Previous head trauma or surgery could increase your likelihood of experiencing this.
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
- Vomiting and nausea
- Dual vision
- Sweating
- Abnormal eye movements
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Vision and communication difficulties
- Inability to concentrate or maintain alertness
If you recognize these symptoms, you should consult a Toronto physiotherapist as soon as possible. Please click here to schedule an appointment with PhysioPlus Health Group.
What are the causes of vertigo?
There are several possible causes of vertigo. Some common causes of vertigo include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
This is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when the tiny calcium crystals located in your ears become dislodged and move around to different parts of the ear that they are not supposed to be in.
Meniere’s disease:
This condition occurs when fluid builds up in your ear(s). This typically includes ringing sounds in the ear and sudden waves of dizziness/vertigo that may last for hours. You may also experience momentary hearing loss.
Vestibular neuritis:
This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.
Migraines:
Migraines can impact your vestibular system, and may be coupled with sensitivities to light or sound, or may also impair your vision.
Stroke:
A stroke affects movement in your whole body. If you recently suffered a stroke, you may experience waves of vertigo which may linger for extended periods of time.
What is the best treatment for vertigo?
How can I find vertigo relief?
The best treatment for BPPV vertigo is head positioning maneuvers to reposition the crystals into the correct inner ear canal.
At PhysioPlus Health Group, our vestibular therapist specializes in assessing BPPV vertigo and performing the proper technique to reposition the crystals in order to successfully treat your BPPV. This treatment technique is over 85% effective when done by a trained physiotherapist. Gaze stabilization exercises can often be prescribed by vestibular physiotherapists after the acute stage of BPPV (Vertigo).
Every patient is unique so our vestibular physiotherapists will tailor the treatment to your specific condition.
CONTACT US IN TORONTO TODAY FOR VERTIGO RELIEF!
Vertigo can interfere with your daily activities and make even the simplest tasks difficult. Fortunately, vestibular physiotherapy can resolve most cases. Schedule an appointment with our Toronto physiotherapy clinic so that we can help you get back on your feet, steady and secure!
