Vertigo is the sensation of feeling dizzy or off-balance, even when standing still. According to a recent study, vertigo and dizziness affect about 15% to 20% of adults yearly, most common in those 65 or older.
Vertigo is a condition caused by an underlying medical issue or environmental factor, not a diagnosis. If you continue to have persistent episodes of vertigo, it is crucial to seek medical attention, as the underlying cause may require treatment.
Causes of Vertigo
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is one of the most common causes of peripheral vertigo and makes up 80% of vertigo cases. BPPV is a condition that causes brief episodes of vertigo, usually set off by changes in the position of your head (i.e., turning the head too quickly, snapping the neck, etc.). This condition is generally bothersome but not seriously dangerous unless it increases the risk of falling – most commonly a problem in those over 65.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Vestibular neuritis is a condition usually caused by a viral infection in the inner ear. The infection causes inflammation in the inner ear, limiting the body’s sense of balance and commonly leading to vertigo.
- Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear disorder is thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the inner ear. It can cause episodes of vertigo, balance issues, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.
- Migraines: Episodes of vertigo can often be associated with migraines. Vertigo may also be caused by vestibular migraines, which don’t always cause a headache but will leave patients with symptoms of vertigo. These migraines can also cause nausea, motion sensitivity, feelings of disorientation, and sensitivity to sound, among other symptoms.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo makes affected patients feel like they are spinning or their environment is spinning around them and is often triggered by quick head movements. Vertigo episodes can last for minutes or hours. As noted above, vertigo is itself a symptom, but can also lead to or occur with other symptoms, including:
- The feeling of spinning, tilting, or swaying
- Loss of balance
- Motion sickness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
Treatment
Vertigo treatment will vary based on the underlying cause(s). A physical therapist will begin your session with an assessment to determine the underlying cause(s). They will perform a physical examination and take the patient’s medical history to help make their diagnosis.
Vestibular rehabilitation, or vestibular therapy, is the most common physical therapy treatment for vertigo. This form of physical therapy can help patients who experience recurring episodes of vertigo by strengthening the vestibular system, which is responsible for sending signals to your brain related to body movements. A therapist will help the patient identify what triggers their vertigo and how they can prevent it. By training other senses to compensate for vertigo, vestibular therapy can help reduce the severity of symptoms for many patients.
How a PT Can Help
Physical therapists play a crucial role in managing vertigo and getting to the root cause. Here’s how a PT can help:
- Repositioning Maneuvers helps to dissolve dislodged calcium carbonate crystals, which may be the root cause of your vertigo.
- Balance training can strengthen the weakened vestibular system to prevent loss of balance and decrease fall risk.
- Habituation exercises reduce dizziness by repeatedly exposing patients to specific movements that provoke them (e.g., motion sickness).
- Gaze stabilization exercises aim to improve vision while the head is moving, which may be initiated if your symptoms are provoked by head movements.
- Treatment of neck pain, which may be the cause of dizziness and headaches.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re experiencing vertigo, don’t ignore it. Use our interactive map tool to find a physical therapist in your area. We are dedicated to helping you regain your balance and live healthier lives. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards overcoming vertigo and improving your overall well-being.