Dizziness and vertigo

Dizziness, spinning and unsteadiness are common symptoms reported by adults and these can result from a vestibular, inner ear, disorder.

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There are many causes of dizziness and getting the correct diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

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Physiotherapy assessment can help diagnose a cause of dizziness and screen for any other causes such as neurological and cardiovascular causes.

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Common vestibular disorders include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Neuritis such as Labyrinthitis, migraine associated vertigo, Meniere’s disease and ischaemic vertigo.

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The most common cause of dizziness and vertigo is BPPV. This occurs suddenly with a change of head position but settles quickly when the head is at rest.

 

BPPV can be diagnosed simply by taking a thorough medical history, history of the symptoms and a physical examination that uses a vestibular manoeuvre called the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre.

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The most common treatment for BPPV is the Epley manoeuvre which involves controlled sequential head movements into 4 positions, from sitting to side lying, to side lying on the opposite side and back to sitting again.

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If BPPV is not the cause of the dizziness or spinning sensations, then physiotherapy can help rehabilitate the whole balance system through vestibular rehabilitation.

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If you feel you may be suffering from any of these problems outlined above then please see a member of our reception staff to book in for an assessment.