What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation of movement where there is none. It is most commonly
described as “the room spinning”, or that you are spinning within it.
It is different from dizziness (see below).
Vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis. If you are experiencing vertigo, there is
something causing it to happen.
What causes Vertigo?
Most commonly, vertigo is caused by a problem with your Vestibular (inner ear) system.
It can also be caused by changes within your brain, by a clogging of the large arteries in
your neck, from migraines, concussions, or a reaction to certain medications.
The most common inner ear condition is BPPV; other conditions such as a Vestibular
Neuritis/Labyrinthitis or Meniere’s Disease can also cause vertigo.
Dizziness
Dizziness can be described in many ways, such as a feeling of light-headedness,
floating, grogginess, foggy head, or feeling “off”.
It can be caused by a number of things such as dehydration, changes in your blood
pressure or sugar levels, and medications. It may be caused by a problem with your
Vestibular (inner ear) system but if you are experiencing dizziness, your first step should
be to discuss this with your family doctor (or specialist) to rule out other causes.
Vertigo is the sensation of movement where there is none. It is most commonly
described as “the room spinning”, or that you are spinning within it.
It is different from dizziness (see below).
Vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis. If you are experiencing vertigo, there is
something causing it to happen.
What causes Vertigo?
Most commonly, vertigo is caused by a problem with your Vestibular (inner ear) system.
It can also be caused by changes within your brain, by a clogging of the large arteries in
your neck, from migraines, concussions, or a reaction to certain medications.
The most common inner ear condition is BPPV; other conditions such as a Vestibular
Neuritis/Labyrinthitis or Meniere’s Disease can also cause vertigo.
Dizziness
Dizziness can be described in many ways, such as a feeling of light-headedness,
floating, grogginess, foggy head, or feeling “off”.
It can be caused by a number of things such as dehydration, changes in your blood
pressure or sugar levels, and medications. It may be caused by a problem with your
Vestibular (inner ear) system but if you are experiencing dizziness, your first step should
be to discuss this with your family doctor (or specialist) to rule out other causes.
Common complaints include:
- Imbalance
- Nausea, Vomiting
- Trouble focusing their eyes, blurry vision
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Ear Pressure or Pain
- Hearing Loss
Yes!
The type of treatment you will need depends on the diagnosis causing your symptoms. We use crystal repositioning maneuvers for BPPV and home exercise programs for other conditions.
The type of treatment you will need depends on the diagnosis causing your symptoms. We use crystal repositioning maneuvers for BPPV and home exercise programs for other conditions.
You are not alone. Many people with inner ear conditions do not have a diagnosis, or get a diagnosis simply of “Vertigo”. It can be very difficult to narrow down the problem in the inner ear as there are no xrays, MRI’s, or blood tests that will show physical changes. Your Vestibular Therapist can help with a diagnosis and guide you through the process of understanding and treating your condition. We can help you to regain some of the control and enjoyment that these disorders can steal from your life.
FAQ
The appointment starts with a history taking where we ask you questions regarding your symptoms.
We then test your neck range of motion, your eye focusing ability, some of your reflexes, your coordination, and your balance.
When we get to the testing of BPPV, we do a maneuver that involves leaning backwards that can sometime set off your symptoms. If this happens, it is usually brief but patients sometimes feel off for a day or so afterwards. If you do not think that you can tolerate this maneuver or we do not think that you are experiencing BPPV, this testing can be deferred.
Plan for at least an hour of one-on-one time with the therapist. Time allowing, your treatments will begin at your first appointment.
A doctor’s referral is not required by us; however, your insurance company may ask for one for reimbursement purposes.
We ask that you bring in a list of medications you are currently taking.
You will need to have someone drive you home afterwards as people sometimes feel “off” with some of the testing we do.
If you are concerned about feeling nauseous during testing, you can speak to your doctor or pharmacist to see if it is alright for you to take Gravol or another antinauseant. This can be taken before your appointment.
You may not feel up to going to work after a session so plan accordingly.
If we have treated you for BPPV, we ask that you avoid laying flat and that you do not move your head in big up and down motions for 24 hours afterwards. You should avoid booking any dentist, chiropractic, massage, or hairdresser appointments the day of and the day after you see us.
This all depends on your diagnosis.
If you are suffering from BPPV, sometimes only one treatment is needed. If you have Meniere’s Disease, Labrynthitis, or another vestibular disorder it is a longer process. Many of the exercises we give can be performed independently at home and we are here to monitor, adapt, and advance your exercises as tolerated.
If you are suffering from BPPV, sometimes only one treatment is needed. If you have Meniere’s Disease, Labrynthitis, or another vestibular disorder it is a longer process. Many of the exercises we give can be performed independently at home and we are here to monitor, adapt, and advance your exercises as tolerated.
Read a newspaper article about Vertigo and Andrea here.
