Dizziness, vertigo, and other vestibular issues can be incredibly debilitating. Fortunately, physiotherapy can support your recovery.
Check out this list of 11 vestibular issues that physiotherapy can help with.
BPPV
BPPV is a mechanical dizziness condition where calcium carbonate crystals become dislodged and enter the inner ear canal, disrupting the ability of the inner ear to correctly process head movement and creating a debilitating spinning sensation (vertigo) with certain positions or head movements. Luckily this is a very curable condition and can typically be resolved with 1-3 treatments.
Related Reading: What is Vertigo? Symptoms, Causes and Conditions
Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis
One of the most common causes of dizziness, typically associated with a viral inner ear infection, inflammation of the vestibular nerve and or cochlear nerve can create pressure, pain, hearing loss/tinnitus and dizziness. These symptoms typically have a severe acute period but can result in persistent symptoms if not addressed. Vestibular therapy can help with the management of acute flares, often in conjunction with medication, to decrease symptoms and regain function for people with ongoing symptoms.
Geoff Dyck
Meet one of our vestibular physiotherapists
Geoff is actively involved in continuing education, taking advanced vestibular, manual therapy, exercise, strength and conditioning, taping and acupuncture/IMS courses. Visit Geoff at our Millstream clinic.
Unilateral/Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
Loss of function of only one or both inner ear organs/nerves can present as loss of balance, dizziness and difficulty coping with movement-rich environments. Patients with this condition often suffer from oscillopsia, or blurred vision while moving. Vestibular rehabilitation is a key part of treatment in these conditions through exposure and compensation strategies.
Cervicogenic Dizziness
Did you know that dizziness can arise from neck pain? A mismatch of somatosensory information can trigger dizzy and unbalanced sensations in many. While this is a challenging and controversial diagnosis, a combination of neck treatment, exercise and vestibular rehab has been shown to be effective.
Concussion/TBI
After impact or whiplash injuries many systems in the brain can be negatively affected, including the function of the vestibular system. Vision and vestibular training are often key parts of concussion management.
Mal de Débarquement
A condition caused by the exposure to and then removal of a dynamic stimulus such as the pitch and roll of a boat, this occurs when patients experience vestibulo-ocular maladaptation and continue to experience symptoms even after leaving the boat and returning to dry land. Treatment is typically a combination of vestibular rehab and medication.
Ménière’s Disease
This is a condition caused by excessive fluid in the inner ear that presents with regular attacks of vertigo and often tinnitus or hearing loss. Treatment/management techniques include diet, vestibular rehab and medication.
Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
A dizziness condition that appears following an attack of vertigo, often influenced by posture, position and environmental and social triggers. A multifaceted approach of vestibular rehab, medication and counselling is the gold standard for the management of PPPD.
Presbyvestibulopathy (PVP)
An age-related loss of balance and sensory function, similar to hearing loss, PVP is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Vestibular rehab can significantly improve age-related dizziness and balance, and greatly help mitigate risk of falls.
Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops (SEH)
Similar to Meniere’s but typically less severe, SEH is a condition borne of excessive fluid pressure in the ear. This is managed through a series of diet and lifestyle changes. Medication may also play a role, as does vestibular rehab to improve motion sensitivity and balance.
Vestibular Migraine
Many migraine sufferers will experience dizziness symptoms associated with migraine in their lifetime. This is due to the vascular mechanisms of the migraine as well as neurological changes that occur during migraine attacks. Recognition and avoidance of triggers, medication and vestibular therapy is the most recognized treatment for this condition.
Visit Our Vestibular and Concussion Specialists in Langford and Millstream
In addition to treatment, we are also able to help identify when the above and other conditions require a referral. In these cases we connect with your physician to orchestrate a referral to the appropriate specialist for you. These conditions could include, among others: acoustic neuroma, semicircular canal dehiscence, perilymph fistula, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, neurotoxic vestibulopathy, CANVAS syndrome and vestibular paroxysmia.
