Vertigo is a type of dizziness that causes a sensation of spinning or whirling. It occurs when there is a problem with the inner ear or the parts of the brain that are responsible for processing balance and spatial orientation.
Some common causes of vertigo include:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate to the semicircular canals. When the head is moved, these crystals move around and stimulate the hair cells in the inner ear, causing vertigo.
Meniere's disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that is characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). It is thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear.
Vestibular neuritis: This is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which sends information about balance and spatial orientation from the inner ear to the brain. It can cause vertigo, as well as nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking.
Migraine-associated vertigo: Some people with migraines experience vertigo as a symptom of their headaches.
Head injury: A blow to the head can cause damage to the inner ear or the parts of the brain that are responsible for processing balance, leading to vertigo.
One unusual aspect of vertigo is that it can sometimes be triggered by certain visual stimuli, such as stripes or patterns. This phenomenon is known as visual vertigo, and it occurs when the visual information that the brain receives does not match up with the information that the inner ear is sending. For example, looking at a moving escalator or scrolling through text on a computer screen can cause a person with visual vertigo to feel dizzy or disoriented.
Another unusual aspect of vertigo is that it can sometimes be a symptom of anxiety or panic disorders. People with these conditions may experience a type of vertigo known as subjective vertigo, which feels like a sensation of swaying or rocking, even when they are standing still. This type of vertigo is thought to be caused by heightened sensitivity to sensory input and changes in the autonomic nervous system.
There are many other possible causes of vertigo, and it's important to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing vertigo to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
How can Physical Therapy treat vertigo?
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for vertigo. The goal of physical therapy for vertigo is to help the patient improve their balance, reduce their symptoms, and prevent future episodes of vertigo. Here are some common physical therapy techniques that can be used to treat vertigo:
Canalith repositioning maneuvers: These are a series of head and body movements that are designed to move the displaced crystals in the inner ear back into their proper position. The most common canalith repositioning maneuver is called the Epley maneuver.
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises: These exercises are designed to help the brain compensate for the abnormal signals that are being sent from the inner ear. They can include balance exercises, eye tracking exercises, and head movement exercises.
Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises are designed to improve the patient's ability to keep their eyes focused on a stationary object while their head is moving.
Balance training: This involves a series of exercises that are designed to improve the patient's balance and reduce their risk of falling.
Cardiovascular exercise: Aerobic exercise can improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo symptoms.
It's important to note that the specific type of physical therapy that will be most effective for a patient will depend on the underlying cause of their vertigo. A physical therapist will typically evaluate the patient's symptoms and medical history before developing a customized treatment plan.