What causes dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common symptoms causing patients to visit a physician (as common as back pain and headaches). Falling can be a direct consequence of dizziness, and the risk is compounded in elderly persons with other neurologic deficits and chronic medical problems.
Dizziness is a symptom that can be characterised as a feeling of unsteadiness or unbalance, as well as a disorientation with respect to one's surroundings. Dizziness is a symptom that can differ greatly from person to person and be brought on by a variety of conditions. Vertigo can range from a slight unsteadiness to a very strong swirling sensation. It is common for patients to find it challenging to explain their dizziness to doctors since the conscious mind does not have a strong representation of the balance system. Additionally, the doctor frequently needs extensive testing in order to be able to provide the patient some answers because the symptom of dizziness varies so much from patient to patient and may be brought on by a variety of disorders.
How Does Physiotherapy Work for Dizziness & Vertigo?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physiotherapy that uses targeted exercises to address dizziness, balance difficulties, and related movement problems. Treatment begins with an assessment of your symptoms, balance, walking, movement, and other relevant physical abilities.
Depending on the underlying problem, treatment may include gaze-stability exercises, balance retraining, walking exercises, head and eye movement exercises, strengthening, or repositioning maneuvers for certain conditions such as BPPV. Your program is individualized according to your symptoms and functional needs.
Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation
Depending on the underlying condition and your individual treatment plan, vestibular rehabilitation may help you:
- Improve balance and stability
- Reduce dizziness-related symptoms
- Improve coordination between head and eye movements
- Improve walking and movement confidence
- Develop strategies for managing balance difficulties
- Improve your ability to perform everyday activities
Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins both describe vestibular rehabilitation as an exercise-based approach that can address dizziness and balance problems, with treatment tailored to the individual's underlying condition and functional needs.
Take the next step.
Our Scott Road clinic welcomes patients from Guildford, Newton, Scott Road, and North Delta for personalized occupational therapy focused on their individual functional goals. Book online or call 778-590-4243.
