What Are the Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders?
Symptoms of vestibular problems may include:
- Dizziness: a lightheaded, floating or rocking sensation
- Vertigo: a spinning sensation (a feeling that either you or the world is moving)
- Lack of balance or unsteadiness
- Blurred or bouncing vision
- Nausea
- Difficulty with coordination, memory or concentration
What Vestibular Conditions Cause Dizziness and Vertigo?
There are two main types of vestibular dysfunction:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the number-one cause of vertigo related to an inner-ear problem. With BPPV, small crystals from one part of the inner ear move into the wrong area. People with this problem commonly complain of a spinning sensation when they perform movements such as rolling in bed, getting in and out of bed, bending over and returning upright, and tipping the head back in the shower. The symptoms typically last less than one minute from the time of the movement.
Vestibular hypofunction
Vestibular hypofunction is the second most common cause of vertigo. In this condition, there is a decrease in the speed at which information travels from the inner ear to the brain. This type of problem often starts after a viral infection of the upper respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. People often report feeling off balance, lightheaded or nauseous. They report more symptoms when riding in a vehicle, reading, and performing quick movements with the head or body.
Who Can You See for Diagnosis and Treatment Advice?
At Glencoe Regional Health, providers in our family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, and otolaryngology (ENT) departments can diagnose vestibular disorders. They can recommend appropriate interventions such as physical therapy, medication changes or safety modifications to your home.
A referral is required to be seen by our physical therapists for vertigo. To talk with your provider about a referral, make an appointment by calling us at 320-864-3121.
How Can Vestibular Therapy Help?
The goals for vestibular therapy will be specific to your situation, but may include:
- Improving your ability to perform activities at home, school or work
- Decreasing or eliminating dizziness
- Improving balance
- Decreasing your risk of falling and being injured
What Can You Expect During Therapy?
At the first visit, your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to assess how your vestibular system is affecting your balance and ability to perform daily tasks. Next, your therapist will create an individualized treatment plan based on his or her assessment of your condition. Your therapist will discuss the treatment plan with you, including the number of treatment sessions and activities that will be included in future therapy sessions to reduce your dizziness and improve your balance to avoid falling in the future.
Physical therapy for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) involves a series of head movements that help move the crystals back to the correct place in the inner ear. This is called the canalith repositioning maneuver. For approximately 80 percent of people treated, symptoms are gone after one or two therapy sessions.
Physical therapy may reduce or eliminate vestibular hypofunction through use of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), an exercise-based program designed to improve inner ear performance.
Our physical therapists may also integrate the Dynavision D2 as part of a treatment plan for vestibular disorders.
