Vestibular Rehabilitation for Vertigo
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation of feeling unbalanced or dizzy, which may include room spinning, loss of balance, or nausea. Episodes may last from a few minutes to hours or even days. Many people experience dizziness or vertigo every day. While there are many different types of vertigo, one of the most common is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). The diagnosis of BPPV has increased in recent years, as awareness and knowledge of this condition have grown.
What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?
BPPV is related to head movement or position. When you move, there are “crystals” in your inner ear, which stimulate nerves which then tell your brain where you are in space. These crystals are located in 3 different canals, each responding differently to the direction and speed of movement. The brain then uses all this info to determine where you are in space and where you’re moving. Sometimes, these crystals become dislodged and float within the canal. Floating crystals can send random signals that conflict with what your eyes, inner ear, and brain are telling you. This conflicting information causes vertigo.
Vertigo Diagnosis & Treatment
Your Physical Therapist, ENT specialist, or Primary care physician can diagnose your vertigo symptoms. A series of movement-related tests will determine if your vertigo is BPPV, or another vertigo-related diagnosis such as Vestibular Neuritis or Meniere’s disease. An individualized treatment program can then be can, tailored to your diagnosis. Treatment for BPPV is easily done in the clinic, often with immediate results, using a series of specified maneuvers, based on your diagnosis. Additional treatments may be required to help retrain or desensitize your vestibular system.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
At Premier Physical Therapy in Omaha, NE, we focus on Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for individuals with vertigo and balance issues. Our experienced physical therapists provide personalized care, conducting comprehensive assessments to tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.
VRT techniques include:
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: to address conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and habituation exercises to reduce sensitivity over time.
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: improve coordination between eye movements and the vestibular system, while balance training enhances posture, stability, and overall balance control.
- Education, lifestyle modifications, and a home exercise program: for continued progress outside of clinic sessions.
Balance System
Episodes of vertigo often lead to loss of balance and falls. Vision, inner ear, and joint proprioception contribute to your balance system. Compromising any of these 3 systems places you at risk of falling. If you’ve been suffering from vertigo or dizziness for a long time or experiencing a sudden onset of vertigo, come see us at Premier Therapy for Vestibular Rehab. We can help get you back to living your normal, dizzy-free, life.
Contact us to learn more about vestibular rehabilitation for vertigo.
