Things We Treat
Vertigo/Dizziness
Vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can significantly impact your balance and daily activities. It is not a condition itself, but a symptom of various underlying issues affecting the inner ear or central nervous system.
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can stem from several causes, primarily involving the inner ear or neurological system.
Common causes include
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause, BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt normal fluid movement.
- Meniere’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear causing severe vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, typically due to viral infection, leading to intense vertigo.
- Labyrinthitis: Infection or inflammation of the inner ear that can cause vertigo and hearing loss.
- Migraines: Certain types of migraines can lead to vertigo episodes.
- Head Injury: Trauma can damage the inner ear or brain, leading to vertigo.
- Central Nervous System Disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke can also result in vertigo.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Individuals experiencing vertigo may experience various symptoms, including:
- A sensation of spinning or moving
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo, characterised by brief episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation triggered by changes in head position. At Watsonia Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists are trained in diagnosing and treating BPPV to help you regain your balance and return to your daily activities with confidence.
Causes of BPPV
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals, known as otoconia, become dislodged from their usual position within the utricle of the inner ear and migrate into one of the semicircular canals. When these crystals move within the canal, they disrupt the normal fluid movement that the inner ear uses to sense head motion, leading to vertigo.
Common triggers for BPPV episodes include
- Rolling over in bed
- Getting in and out of bed
- Tilting the head up or down
- Sudden head movements
Symptoms of BPPV
- Brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo, typically lasting less than a minute
- A sense of spinning or motion, especially with changes in head position
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
Diagnosis of BPPV
At Watsonia Physiotherapy, we conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose BPPV, which includes:
- Reviewing your medical history and symptoms
- Performing physical examinations and balance tests
- Conducting specific positional tests, such as the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, to identify the presence of displaced otoconia and provoke vertigo symptoms
Treatment of BPPV
The primary treatment for BPPV involves specific manoeuvres designed to move the dislodged crystals out of the semicircular canals and back to their proper location in the inner ear. Our physiotherapists are trained in these manoeuvres and will guide you through the process.
If you are experiencing dizziness, our team at Watsonia Physiotherapy is here to assist you. Contact us today at (03) 9434 3088, send us an email, or book online to arrange an assessment.