Effective Vertigo Treatment Options for Relief from Dizziness and Balance Issues
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a symptom described as a dizzy sensation - most commonly in a rotational or spinning motion. Many people describe it as if the room or your surroundings are spinning around you. It can feel quite similar to light headedness, but is not the same. Other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting may accompany the dizzying sensations. Although people of all ages can experience, it is more worrisome for elderly populations due to the risk of falling during an episode of vertigo.
Causes and types of vertigo
It is commonly caused by issues in the vestibular system, which is part of the brain and nervous system responsible for controlling balance, sense of position in space, and initiating corrections to maintain that position. Other causes of vertigo can include: abnormal growths and cysts, side effects from certain medications, migraines, and some psychological disorders.
Most cases of vertigo are classified into 2 main types depending on where the originating issue is located. A thorough physical examination will help to determine the location of the cause of the vertigo and the next appropriate steps for treatment.
Central
Central vertigo occurs when the issue is located in the brain. Some potential causes include stroke, brain tumor, migraine, traumatic brain injury, infection, or multiple sclerosis. Central vertigo should be referred for further investigations.
Peripheral
Peripheral vertigo occurs when the issue arises from the inner ear or vestibular nerve, which controls balance. 2 common types of peripheral vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere’s disease, both of which can often be treated with conservative care. To read more about peripheral vertigo, click here.
Self care
Often, if the vertigo symptoms are short-lived and last only a few hours to days, it will self-resolve on its own, or can be managed with medications. Although general prognosis for mild vertigo is good, it is likely to return in the future, and repeat interventions may be needed at that time. For more severe and disabling symptoms, surgery may be necessary, but carry a potential risk for hearing loss. There are some physical therapy exercises that may offer some benefit, depending on the exact cause of the vertigo symptoms. Some general advice that a medical practitioner may give includes:
Perform simple exercises to correct your symptoms
Sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows
In the morning, get up out of bed slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or so before standing up
Avoid bending down at the waist to pick up items
Avoid extending your neck (for example: while reaching for a high shelf)
Move your head slowly and carefully during daily activities
Do exercises that mildly trigger your vertigo, so that your brain gets accustomed to it and reduces the symptoms in the future (*please note: do these only if prescribed by a licensed medical professional, making sure you won't fall, and have support if needed.Additional tips from the National Health Service (UK)
Additional tips on what to do during a vertigo episode from the National Health Service (UK)
Are you experiencing episodes of vertigo? To see how one of our mobile physiotherapists can help your vertigo, give the office a call at 604-828-2610, or click here to book a session.
References
Stanton M, Freeman AM. Vertigo. [Updated 2022 Mar 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482356/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vertigo/
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/vertigo
Are you experiencing episodes of vertigo? To see how one of our mobile physiotherapists can help your vertigo, give the office a call at 604-828-2610, or click the button below to book a session.
