Physiotherapy Can Help With Dizziness

A bad spell of vertigo can leave people feeling very debilitated.  Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and difficulty walking. There are many causes of vertigo, or dizziness, which include: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo BPPV, acute vestibular neuronitis or labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease or migraine disorders. This article focuses on BPPV, which is the most common of vestibular disorders and the most easily treated.

Anatomy of Inner Ear

Within our inner ear system, we have canals that contain a gelatinous type substance, hair cells and calcium crystals. This system detects where our head is in space and where our head is in relation to the rest of our body. If the crystals become detached from their normal location they can stimulate the hair cells, which in turn gives the wrong feedback to the brain. This creates a discrepancy in the information our brain receives and causes us to feel as though our body is spinning, or the environment around us is spinning.

Diagnosis of Dizziness 

The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is used to diagnose BPPV. This test consists of 2 maneuvers, which each bias a certain ear, to determine which ear is causing the symptoms. The test is designed to replicate the symptoms of dizziness or nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movement). It can be unpleasant, however, it is important to determine if this is the true cause of the symptoms.

Treatment of Dizziness 

In clinic, The Epley Maneuver is used to treat BPPV. This treatment consists of a series of positions that the therapist guides the patient through, to help reposition the calcium deposits back to their normal location. This step-by-step maneuver can be repeated five or six times until the dizziness resolves. After the treatment, it is important for the patient to stay upright and even prop themselves up while sleeping, to maintain the positioning of the crystals.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, physiotherapy can help identify the underlying cause and provide effective treatment to reduce symptoms and improve your confidence with movement. At Move Authentically, we offer individualized assessment and treatment plans for vestibular conditions to help you feel steadier, safer, and more in control in your daily life. Book your appointment today for expert physiotherapy care for vertigo and dizziness in Kingston, ON.