I'm So Dizzy, My Head Is Spinning! How Physical Therapy Can Help To Stop The Dizziness
If you're experiencing frequent bouts of vertigo, you're already aware of how distressing and life altering the attacks can be. Medications do help to control the symptoms and provide relief, but physical therapy can also be helpful for those dealing with episodes of vertigo.
A proper diagnosis
You must always seek medical attention if you've just started having episodes of dizziness or feeling as if the room is spinning around you. There are many causes of vertigo. Having a thorough exam to determine the cause of your symptoms is vital.
If your doctor has determined your vertigo is the result of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, sometimes referred to as BPPV, physical therapy may be useful in treating your symptoms.
What causes BPPV?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be caused by calcium particles in the ear. The ears are sensitive to the movement of fluid within the canals. Small pieces of calcium, also referred to as crystals, can break free and travel to the semi-circular canals in the ears. This is especially likely to happen when you change positions of the head, such as looking up or down or when rolling over in bed.
This abrupt change in position, combined with the misplaced calcium particles, sends your inner ear a confusing message regarding position. The result is a sensation of the room spinning, feeling off balance, or feeling woozy.
How physical therapy can help
A physical therapist will often confirm the diagnosis of BPPV by performing the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. This allows the physical therapist to look for eye movements and other signs to be certain your vertigo is indeed caused by an inner ear issue rather than an issue inside the brain. However, by the time you see a physical therapist, you will usually already have a confirmed diagnosis of BPPV from your family doctor.
What to expect
After obtaining a full medical history, your physical therapist will likely use several canalith repositioning methods in your treatment sessions. The Epley's maneuver, Semont-Liberatory maneuver, and the Brant-Daroff maneuver are commonly used in eliminating vertigo. You will also be instructed in how to use certain procedures at home when you experience dizziness. You may also be instructed to sleep in a recliner for a few nights following an episode of vertigo to lessen the chance of recurrence.
As distressing as it is, BPPV is a benign disorder. Understanding the cause of the disorder may help to relieve some of the anxiety you experience when you have an attack. It is possible to live a normal life with BPPV. Good communication between you and your doctor/physical therapist is important. They can teach you techniques to use when that dreaded sensation of the room spinning begins.
For more information, contact United Therapy Centers or a similar location.
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