Have you ever experienced a sudden wave of dizziness for no apparent reason? How about the feeling as though you are on a roller-coaster when you're sitting perfectly still?
Vertigo is classified by the sudden sensation of dizziness or a feeling of moving, even when everything is perfectly still. In some more severe cases, this can disrupt balance, and could potentially lead to falls. For some, vertigo can be so severe that it leads to nausea and vomiting. Though, many people experience vertigo in it's mildest form and may go through their entire life without ever knowing they experienced it!
But what causes vertigo?
The most common cause of vertigo is BBPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). This means that it is a non-life-threatening, sudden feeling of rotation that is triggered from a head position or movement.
In its simplest form the vestibular system includes the inner ear which is made up of fluid and calcium carbonate crystals known as otoconcia. These fluids help the brain to detect and process movement. For example when we move our head to look up, these fluids move and send a signal to the brain about what position our head is in.
However, overtime, or following an acute injury, these fluids and crystals begin to respond differently to movement due to repositioning in the ear canal. This causes excessive stimulation and in result the feeling of spinning or dizziness.
Physiotherapy to treat vertigo?
For someone experiencing vertigo due to BBPV, treatment is quite simple. Physiotherapy In many cases, a simple maneuver known as the Epley Manoeuvre can be performed to reposition the ear fluid and crystals back where they belong. Alongside this, a number of exercises and treatment plans can be set out to help assist balance and strength during these dizzy spells.
Though, if BBPV is not the cause, physiotherapy can still help. At Bankstown Physiotherapy our team is highly trained and committed to providing accurate treatment plans to help manage the symptoms of vertigo
If you are experiencing vertigo, don't hesitate to speak with us. Feel free to give us a call at 97933119, visit our website, or book online.