post wp-admin edit 31661
Vestibular Physiotherapy

VERTIGO PHYSIOTHERAPY: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Published April 9, 2019

Vertigo is a type of dizziness that is caused by conditions which affect the inner ear. Vertigo can result in many uncomfortable symptoms, the most common being a feeling of spinning, or like the environment is spinning around you.

The Causes Of Vertigo

Vertigo can be caused by many conditions affecting the inner ear. A common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Other causes of vertigo include inner ear disorders, infections, head injury and stroke.

What Is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of vestibular dysfunction (inner ear disorders). BPPV is caused by tiny calcium particles that have clumped together in the inner ear. This affects the messages which are sent from the inner ear to the brain, affecting balance control.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is aggravated by changing position or sudden head movements. Often symptoms are triggered when tilting the head backwards or lying down. Nausea is also a common symptom of BPPV.

What Are The Symptoms Of Vertigo?

The most common symptoms of vertigo include a spinning sensation or feeling unbalanced. However, there are many other symptoms of vertigo including:

  • Spinning or swaying feeling
  • Rocking sensation
  • Poor balance
  • Poor coordination
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Light-headedness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sweating

Symptoms can last from a few minutes to hours and may be aggravated by changing position.

What Are The Treatments For Vertigo?

Vertigo can be very unpleasant, however, there are treatments available to reduce the discomfort. The type of treatment will depend on the cause of your vertigo.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be effectively treated by vertigo physiotherapy Perth. Physiotherapists have extensive knowledge in the assessment and treatment of many inner ear issues which result in vertigo. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is one form of vertigo treatment which can help with a variety of inner ear problems including BPPV.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular therapy is a specialised form of vertigo physiotherapy that encourages the central nervous system to compensate for the inner ear issues which are causing symptoms, such as dizziness or balance problems. Vestibular therapy is effective in helping people with chronic and acute inner ear disorders and those who have had a loss of vestibular function after surgery.

A specialised treatment plan consisting of eye, body and head exercises will retrain your brain to recognise signals from the inner ear. This will help you to coordinate effectively with the sensory system. The aim of vestibular therapy is to desensitise the balance system to movements and positions which aggravate symptoms; helping you to regain control and confidence in everyday activities.

Vestibular disorders can cause unpleasant symptoms but there are treatment options available to you. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for vertigo and dizziness and can provide relief from a wide range of symptoms which may be affecting your ability to perform daily activities. For more information about vestibular therapy, contact the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Integrity Physio Como today.

Leslie Trigg

Director & Senior Physiotherapist at Integrity Physiotherapy Leslie Trigg, has over 15 years of experience in clinical practice. He has graduated with a degree in Human Biology (Anatomy and Physiology) from Curtin University in 2001 and later completed a Masters of Physiotherapy in 2007. He has tremendous experience in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, neurosurgical and sports physiotherapy. In his spare time, he enjoys swimming, listening to music and spending time with his family.