Did you know Vertigo, Dizziness or Balance Problems can be cured with Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation?

Vertigo is feeling of motion mostly a spinning sensation.

Vertigo can be very frustrating as it affects all our daily activities.

Common causes of Vertigo are:

  • Meniere’sDisease - there is increased pressure in inner ears causing vertigo, unsteadiness and hearing loss
  • BPPV or Positional Vertigo 
  • Head Injury 
  • Ear infections
  • Inflammation of the inner ear  (Labyrinthitis)
  • Inflammation of Vestibular Nerve (Vestibular Neurontis)
  • High doses or long-term use of certain antibiotics and steroids. Other drugs, such as aspirin, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, sedatives, and tranquilizers, as well as many narcotic drugs
  • Stroke
  • Acoustic Neuroma- a slow-growing tumor on the nerve that leads from the inner ear to the brain

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Vestibular Rehabilitation is a highly specialized form of treatment involving specific exercises and maneuvers designed to(1) decrease dizziness; (2) increase balance function; (3) increase general activity levels.

What is a Balance Disorder?

Balance

A balance disorder is a disturbance that causes an individual to feel unsteady, for example when standing or walking. It may be accompanied by feelings of giddiness, or wooziness, or having a sensation of movement, spinning, or floating.

Balance can be affected when there is

  • Inner ear problem (Menieres, Positional Vertigo, Labrynthitis, Vestibular Neuronits etc)
Hearing loss can be associated with Vertigo in some cases
  • Brain disorder (Paralysis, Parkinsons, Tumors etc)
MRI of Brain can rule out neurological causes of vertigo.
  • Peripheral Nerve disorder (Neuropathy in legs) 
Numbness, tingling or pain in legs can cause balance problems.
  • Poor Vision (Cataracts, Glaucoma etc) 
Eye problems can cause balance problems
  • Musculoskeletal Problem (Arthritis of back or leg joints)
Pain or weakness in legs can cause balance issues
  • Cervicogenic Dizziness: Dizziness or balance issues can occur due to neck related causes.
Neck spasms and pain can cause dizziness and unsteadiness.
  • Complete physical examination to rule out other causes of dizziness such as cardiovascular or central nervous system  
  • Hearing tests
  • Rotary Chair test
  • Electronystagmography (ENG)
  • MRI of Brain and /or Neck 
  • Vestibular Evoked Potential

A thorough and complete evaluation by a Vertigo Specialist can help with accurate diagnosis. The treatment for vertigo varies considerably depending on the diagnosis. Treatment can include medications, Vestibular and Balance Therapy, Physiotherapy (Orthopaedic or Neuro Therapy) and in few cases invasive procedures and surgery. Vertigo such as Positional Vertigo and many more can be cured effectively with Vestibular Therapy.