BPPV & Vestibular Treatment

Vertigo, Dizziness and Imbalance

Overview

Balance is quite a complex achievement. It requires information from our inner ears, our eyes and messages coming from our lower limbs – these three systems all send information about where we are in space back to our brain which then oversees and makes appropriate corrections to keep us feeling steady. Vertigo is not a diagnosis but a symptom. It describes a sense of motion, either inside the head or in the world around us, when no actual motion is occurring. Terms such as “spinning”, “rotating”, “rocking” and “tilting” are often used to describe the sensation experienced during an attack of vertigo.

How is vertigo caused?

Vertigo can be caused by a disturbance of the inner ear or of the brain. The most common cause of Vertigo is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). It is an inner ear disturbance caused by the movement of tiny particles of calcium carbonate called “Otoconia” into one of the three semicircular canals. Typically vertigo is brought on by certain head movements – usually rolling over in bed, getting up out of bed and looking up or down. The vertigo lasts up to a minute and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The second most common cause of Vertigo is Vestibular Migraine. Here the migraine causes vertigo, nausea and vomiting and in around 30 percent of cases, there is actually no actual migraine headache that is experienced at the same time.

Types of vertigo?

There are other causes of vertigo including Vestibular Neuritis, Meniere’s Disease and brain related causes such as Stroke and disorders of the Cerebellum. Imbalance (also known as Disequilibrium) refers to unsteadiness when standing or walking and may be accompanied by falls. Balance disorders may include symptoms such as dizziness and/or vertigo, but not necessarily. Dizziness refers to anything that is not vertigo or imbalance – lightheadedness, fogginess, giddiness are forms of dizziness.

How we can help

Vestibular Physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat disorders causing vertigo, dizziness and imbalance. The commonest conditions treated are: BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), Vestibular Neuritis, Certain brain related Balance disorders, Cervicogenic Dizziness (treatment of neck related dizziness) Initial Consultations last for one hour and involve a comprehensive assessment of the inner ear, eye movements and balance. Follow up appointments are generally for thirty minutes. It is recommended that someone accompany you to your initial visit. A doctor’s referral is not required unless the disorder is related to Workers Compensation or Third Party. Ben West has furthered his training and has a special interest in treating vestibular disorders including BPPV, vestibular neuritis and balance related disorders. Get in touch with our team today to book an appointment.