Vertigo / Dizziness

Vertigo and dizziness affect a diverse range of patients—from older adults and elderly individuals facing age-related vestibular decline to those with inner-ear disorders, and people recovering from concussion, stroke, or other neurological conditions. These symptoms can manifest as a spinning sensation, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness, profoundly impacting daily activities and confidence in movement.

Common Causes

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear canals trigger brief episodes of spinning when the head moves.
  • Vestibular Neuronitis/Labyrinthitis: Viral inflammation of the inner ear causes sudden, severe vertigo that may last days.
  • Ménière’s Disease: Excess fluid pressure in the inner ear leads to recurring vertigo attacks, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
  • Central Nervous System Conditions: Stroke, multiple sclerosis, or migraines can disrupt balance pathways in the brain.
  • Medication Side Effects & Cardiovascular Issues: Certain drugs, blood pressure fluctuations, or heart conditions can impair balance .

Dangers of Vertigo & Dizziness

  • Increased Fall Risk: Sudden loss of balance can lead to slips, trips, and serious injuries such as fractures.
  • Reduced Independence: Persistent unsteadiness limits the ability to drive, shop, or perform daily self-care.
  • Psychological Impact: Fear of falling may cause anxiety, social withdrawal, and decreased quality of life.
  • Secondary Complications: Consequent injuries can result in prolonged immobility, muscle deconditioning, and increased healthcare needs.

How a Licensed Physical Therapist Can Help

  • Comprehensive Vestibular Assessment: Evaluates eye movements, balance reactions, and positional tests (e.g., Dix–Hallpike) to pinpoint the source of your dizziness.
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises: Customized maneuvers—such as the Epley or Semont repositioning techniques—to relocate canaliths in BPPV and reduce spinning sensations .
  • Gaze Stabilization & Habituation Training: Exercises that improve visual focus and decrease sensitivity to motion by gradually exposing your system to dizziness triggers.
  • Balance & Gait Retraining: Progressive activities—from standing on varied surfaces to dynamic walking drills—enhance postural control and reduce fall risk.
  • Patient Education & Home-Exercise Programs: Teaches self-management strategies, safety modifications, and lifestyle adjustments to maintain gains and prevent recurrences.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Coordinates with your physician to address underlying medical issues, adjust medications, or refer for further evaluation when needed.

Advantages of Physical Therapy vs. Other Interventions

  • Safe, Non-Invasive Care
    No surgery, anesthesia, or systemic medication side effects—making it suitable for virtually all patients.
  • Sustained Functional Gains
    Vestibular and gait retraining produce longer-lasting improvements in balance and mobility compared with medication alone or passive treatments.
  • Empowers Self-Management
    Teaches lifelong skills—home exercises, environmental modifications, and safe movement strategies—to maintain balance and prevent future episodes.
  • Holistic Approach
    Addresses both symptoms and underlying causes, improving overall physical conditioning and confidence in daily activities.

References

  1. Gait and balance problems: Common causes and more. Medical News Today.

Saishoji Y, Yamamoto N, et al. Epley Manoeuvre’s Efficacy for BPPV in Primary-Care and Subspecialty Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BMC Primary Care. 2023;24(1):262.