Vertigo Specialist

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation that causes you to feel off-balance or dizzy. During an episode of vertigo, it may feel as though the room is spinning. 

In addition to spinning and feeling dizzy, your vertigo may also cause:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Swaying
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Ringing in the ears

With vertigo, these symptoms may last only a few minutes or a few hours. They may also come and go unexpectedly.

What causes vertigo?

Though dizziness may develop from any number of causes, vertigo typically occurs from an inner ear problem. The inner portion of your ear contains fluid and tiny sensory hairs that help your body maintain balance. 

Conditions that affect the inner ear and cause vertigo include:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs from sudden changes in the position of your head. 

Though it’s not always clear what causes BPPV, the condition may develop when tiny deposits of displaced calcium collect in the inner ear, disrupting communication and balance. 

Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that develops from a buildup of fluid in the inner ear. The excess fluid changes ear pressure and your ability to maintain balance. 

Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis

Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis is an inner ear condition that most often develops from an infection. It causes inflammation in the inner ear, which affects the sensory nerves that support balance. 

Though not as common, you may also develop vertigo following a head injury or from migraine headaches.  

How can physical therapy help vertigo?

When you visit Pipeline Physical Therapy for help with vertigo, your dedicated licensed doctor of physical therapy conducts a comprehensive initial assessment. The goal of the assessment is to fully understand your symptoms and the underlying cause of your vertigo. 

Your licensed doctor of physical therapy creates an individualized care plan based on your condition and needs and provides one-on-one treatment sessions. 

For BPPV, your physical therapist uses repositioning maneuvers to help move the calcium deposits back into their correct position. Some patients feel immediate improvements after one repositioning session. However, some patients need multiple treatments to get relief from their vertigo.

Your plan may also include therapeutic exercises, hands-on manual therapy, and a home exercise program. 

To schedule your vertigo consultation at Pipeline Physical Therapy, call the office or book an appointment online today.