Dizziness & Vertigo
What is dizziness & Vertigo?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized therapy that alleviates problems caused by vestibular disorders. Common vestibular disorders are primarily vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability and/or imbalance, and falls. Dizziness is a common symptom of a vestibular issue and can have many causes. Vertigo, however, is a little different. While dizziness is typically synonymous with “lightheadedness,” which creates the illusion of being unsteady, vertigo is typically a response to a physiological factor causing a quite literal imbalance in your body (in the inner ear). Those experiencing vertigo have reported feeling as if they are “rocking” or “spinning,” even sitting still. Our VRT program aims to help children and adults reduce dizziness resulting from various inner ear disorders and neurologic conditions.
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GOALS & STRATEGIES
for treating dizziness & vertigo
eliminate/reduce
pain & swelling
improved
mobility & flexibility
increased
strength & endurance
education & preventative tools
return to
normal function
proper
alignment
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journey to health Today
COMMON CONDITIONS
we treat of dizziness & vertigo
The causes of vertigo aren’t nearly as many. In fact, vertigo is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the 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 your movement. When this is impaired, the necessary messages become blocked from your brain, and your movement becomes affected. You may feel as if the world is spinning around you, you can’t focus your vision for prolonged periods of time, or you can’t stand/move properly without feeling like you are going to topple over. 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 break apart and move around to different parts of the ear, where they are not supposed to be. This can cause sudden spinning sensations (vertigo) and inner-ear discomfort.
Meniere’s disease
- This occurs when fluid builds up in your ear(s). This typically includes “ringing” in your ear and sudden waves of intense dizziness that may last for hours. You may also experience momentary hearing losses.
Vestibular neuritis
- This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.
Migraines
- Migraines can impact your vestibular system, thus causing episodes of vertigo which may be coupled with a sensitivity to light or sound. Vision may also be impaired.
post-concussion syndrome
- Post-Concussion Syndrome, or PCS, is the persistence of concussion symptoms beyond the normal course of recovery. The majority of concussion symptoms will resolve within about two weeks. However, PCS sufferers can last for months or years, but the symptoms improve over time, and, in most cases, people make a full recovery.
Stroke (mild)
- 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
TREATMENT PLAN
for dizziness & vertigo
We treat the individual…not just the pain or dysfunction. Your physical therapy treatment may include:
Personalized Evaluation
& Treatment Plan
customized therapeutic
exercise program
hands-on
manual therapy
biofeedback
techniques
soft tissue mobilization
& myofascial release
joint
mobilization
relaxation
techniques
biomechanical & functional retraining & education
learn more about
dizziness & vestibular
Both dizziness and vertigo can hinder your daily life, limiting your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. Luckily, no matter what the cause may be, physical therapy for dizziness and vertigo can help. HealthQuest Physical Therapy is very successful at diagnosing and treating both dizziness and vertigo with vestibular rehabilitation.