Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It is a type of dizziness that is often described as the patient is spinning or the world is spinning around them, particularly with a change in head position. It affects both men and women of all ages and the research shows that it is 2-3 times more common in women than men.
The cause of vertigo is often unknown but can include:
- Neck pain/dysfunction can often cause headaches/foggy feeling/mild dizziness which are successfully treated with manual therapy/exercise rehabilitation, heat modalities.
- The manner in which balance works in the inner ear, at times the brain.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), migraines among others.
Treatment depends on thorough assessment by Chartered Physio and defining the cause. If symptoms persist, patients may benefit from vestibular rehabilitation, balance training, medicine prescription by GP and specific maneuvers for BPPV.
At your first appointment a detailed medical history will be taken followed by a thorough assessment. We advise that you are accompanied to your first appointment due to the nature of the assessment and treatment possibly causing some momentary dizziness. All will be explained by your Chartered Physio and you will receive appropriate advice and treatment specific to your needs.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is an exercise based program which is effective in reducing dizziness and vertigo, and improving quality of life in people with balance related disorders. Research shows that 40-50% of the population will suffer from dizziness at some stage in life. Our Chartered Physios (Fran and Liz Mulcahy) effectively diagnose balance and dizziness disorders and treat appropriately through specialised exercise programs, manual therapy and specific maneuvers. A thorough assessment can determine if physio is suitable in treating your type of vestibular issue. In many situations one or two sessions of physio can significantly reduce symptoms or eliminate them completely.
Assessment usually comprises of
- eye tests,
- gait analysis,
- Positional examination,
- Balance assessment
What Causes Vestibular Dysfunction? Benign Paroxysmal Positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition of the inner ear and one of the most common conditions we treat at the clinic. The main symptom is vertigo/dizziness, lasting 30 seconds-1 minute usually following a change in head position such as rolling over in bed or turning head. It occurs when calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged from their correct position and move into one or more of the semicircular canals. When you put your head into a certain position, the crystals can move making your brain think you are moving even when you are not. People often feel sick and unsteady even when the dizziness has subsided. Following assessment and diagnosis, we use a series of slow, controlled movements to relocate the crystals. The most common sequence of movements used is the Epley Manoeuvre. Often (90% of the time)1 treatment session is sufficient to settle your symptoms: Vestibular Migraine, Neurological Conditions, Medication side effects, Meniere’s Disease, Cervical spine/Thoracic spine dysfunction. Other
Treatment/management Plan usually includes the following:
- Advice on falls prevention
- Eye and head movement exercises
- Exercises to improve standing balance and walking
- Specific techniques to relocate crystals (as per BPPV)
- Education and advice on improving confidence and function in activities of daily living