Dizziness and Vertigo
We’ve all felt dizzy before, as though we can’t concentrate, can’t see straight, and can’t stay upright without swaying or falling over. Many of us have even experienced “tunnel vision,” where your peripheral vision is dark for a few seconds. Most often this feeling occurs when we get up too quickly. It can definitely be disorienting, but it usually goes away after a few seconds. However, does the dizziness do more than disorient you for a few seconds after standing up? And does that have an effect on your everyday life? If you’re nodding your head “yes,” chances are you could benefit from seeing a physical therapist to find a long-term solution to your dizziness and vertigo.
Dizziness is normal and can affect many things. Vertigo, though, is a little different. Though dizziness is typically synonymous with “lightheadedness,” which produces the illusion of being unsteady, vertigo is typically a reaction to a physiological factor that induces a literal imbalance in your body.
Those experiencing vertigo have reported feeling as if they are “rocking” or “spinning,” even when they are sitting still.
If you are in Lansdale, PA living with dizziness or vertigo, don’t hesitate to call ProAction Physical Therapy at (267) 263-2737 today or click here to request an appointment.
What causes dizziness?
Any of the many causes that may contribute to dizziness include lack of sleep, inadequate diet, dehydration, over-exercise or physical illness, such as head cold or flu.
Dizziness can also result from anything as basic as standing up too quickly after a prolonged period of rest. Some of the following signs of dizziness may include:
- Balance Loss
- Feeling bleak or faint
- Vision temporarily affected (i.e. tunnel vision)
- Light-headedness or heavy-headedness
A physical therapist trained in vestibular therapy can help identify the source of your dizziness or vertigo. Vestibular conditions can involve many systems and may require an interdisciplinary approach including your primary care physician, neurologists and ENT physicians.
You may also look out for these other specific symptoms as well in regards to vertigo:
- Sweating
- Abnormal eye movements
- Arm and leg weakness
- Difficulty with vision and speaking
- Unable to concentrate or stay alert
- Nausea and vomiting
- Double vision
What causes vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly caused by a disequilibrium in the inner ear, also known as the “vestibular system.”
Your vestibular system helps you maintain equilibrium and center of gravity by sending signals about your movement to your brain. If this is compromised, the required signals will be blocked from your brain, and your movement will be affected.
Many who experience vertigo can feel as though the world is spinning around them, that they can’t focus their vision for extended periods, or that they can’t stand/move properly without feeling like they’re going to fall over. This can be very frightening and stressful to deal with because it interferes with a person’s routine and lifestyle.
Some common causes of dizziness and vertigo include:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV occurs when crystals become dislodged and travel into special motion sensing canals in the inner ear. This generally results in a room spinning sensation, inner ear discomfort and potentially issues with balance.
Vestibular neuritis
This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.
Stroke
A stroke influences the movement of the whole body. If you have recently had a stroke, you can feel vertigo waves that can last for prolonged periods of time.
Meniere’s disease
This happens as the fluid builds up in your ear(s). This normally involves “ringing” in the ear and unexpected waves of extreme dizziness that can last for hours. You can also experience temporary hearing loss.
Migraines
Migraines may have an effect on the vestibular system, resulting in vertigo episodes that may be associated with a reaction to light or sound. Vision can also be affected.
Physical therapy can provide relief for dizziness and vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo will impair your everyday life, restricting your ability to perform even the simplest tasks — if you let them. Fortunately, no matter what might be the cause of the imbalance, vestibular physical therapy for dizziness and vertigo can help.
ProAction Physical Therapy is very effective in diagnosing and treating both dizziness and vertigo for our patients located in Lansdale, PA. Vestibular therapy requires therapies such as the Epley maneuver and vestibulo-ocular (VOR) exercises.
The Epley Maneuver helps the canalith to be repositioned to transfer damaged calcium crystals in patients with BPPV. Vestibulo-ocular (VOR) exercises include head & eye movements to allow the eyes, inner ears and brain to recalibrate after suffering damage to the inner ear.
Your therapist will assess your condition and create a customized treatment plan that will address your concerns and get you back to feeling steady on your feet.
Are you ready to get back on your feet today?
Our innovative procedures and diagnostic techniques have gained us a reputation as one of the most effective physical therapy practices in the treatment of dizziness and vertigo.
