Physio for Vertigo: Does it Really help?
Vertigo, a type of dizziness often described as a spinning sensation, affects millions of people globally. Many describe feelings of light-headedness, visual disturbances, and challenges maintaining balance. Recognising the root causes of vertigo is essential. Once identified, a tailored treatment plan, including physical therapy or "physio for vertigo", can be pursued to alleviate the symptoms.
What are the Types of Vertigo?
1. Peripheral Vertigo:
Peripheral vertigo is predominantly due to problems in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. The causes of this common type of vertigo include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A frequent trigger for vertigo, BPPV arises when minuscule calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged. They travel into the fluid-filled semicircular canals that detect head movements. When these crystals interfere with the typical fluid flow, the brain receives inaccurate signals about body positioning, leading to profound symptoms of dizziness.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Often resulting from a viral infection, this condition affects the balance-sensing nerve within the inner ear. As a result, individuals may experience vertigo coupled with hearing loss.
Meniere's Disease: Fluid accumulation and fluctuating pressures in the ear are responsible for this disorder. It can manifest as vertigo, ringing in the ears, and even hearing loss.
2. Central Vertigo:
Central vertigo is a consequence of issues in the brain, especially within the cerebellum or the brainstem. Causes encompass:
Migraine: Those who are migraine sufferers might occasionally encounter vertigo as an accompanying symptom.
Brain Tumour: Tumours in the cerebellum might induce vertigo.
Stroke: A stroke in the balance-controlling regions of the brain can trigger vertigo.
Multiple Sclerosis: As a nervous system disease, Multiple Sclerosis impacts both the brain and spinal cord, often leading to vertigo.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of vertigo can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for. These can sometimes be confused with symptoms stemming from head injuries or other types of vertigo:
A sensation of Spinning: Feeling as if either oneself or one's surroundings are spinning or moving, even though they are not.
Loss of Balance: You will need help maintaining balance, often leading to a stumbling or unsteady gait.
Nausea: A feeling of sickness in the stomach, often accompanied by the urge to vomit.
Vomiting: Expelling the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements, where the eyes make rapid and uncontrolled movements.
Tinnitus: A ringing, buzzing, or other ear noise not caused by an external sound.
Hearing Loss: You will have a reduced ability to hear sounds in one or both ears.
Sweating: An increase in perspiration that may not be related to physical activity or heat.
Headaches: You may experience Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck.
Disorientation: Feeling confused or needing clarification about where you are or how to move.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are recurrent or causing distress.
Can Physio Help with Vertigo?
Many individuals are unaware that physiotherapy can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life. Physiotherapists are trained professionals who specialise in treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, making them well-equipped to address the underlying causes of vertigo.
What Physio Movement is used for vertigo
There are several techniques used in physiotherapy for vertigo. These include:
Epley Maneuver: It helps reposition the particles in the inner ear.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) aims to strengthen the vestibular system. It is generally used if you have recurrent bouts of vertigo. It teaches you exercises that help to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
Gaze Stabilisation Exercises: These are used to improve control of eye movements so vision can be focused even when the head is moving.
Balance Training: This includes exercises to improve steadiness and reduce the risk of falls.
Habituation Exercises: These help to desensitise the vestibular system to movements that provoke vertigo.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Vertigo Patients
Improved Balance and Stability
With physiotherapy, your legs could feel like they have a built-in GPS for balance. The exercises help train your brain to compensate for the issues causing vertigo.
Reduced Dizziness and Nausea
Physiotherapy for vertigo can be like having an off switch for that nauseating spinning sensation. Improving the inner ear functions helps reduce dizziness.
Enhanced Coordination
Physiotherapy can bring harmony between muscles and movements like an ideally conducted orchestra. Your coordination could improve tremendously, making daily tasks easier.
Better Quality of Life
Do you fancy living without the constant worry of a dizzy spell? Physiotherapy can offer that sense of liberation. It can open the door to a life where you can socialize, work, and perform activities without the debilitating symptoms of vertigo. It's like being given a new lease on life.
Faster Recovery
Imagine you're a race car, but vertigo is like a flat tire. The tire is fixed with physiotherapy, and you're also given a turbo boost. It speeds up the recovery process.
What is the most effective treatment for vertigo?
The most effective treatment for vertigo depends on what's causing it. Treatment may include medications, physiotherapy manoeuvres, and in some cases, surgery. Here's a brief rundown of some possible treatment options:
Medication: Drugs like prochlorperazine, antihistamines, or medicines like meclizine might be prescribed to relieve symptoms of vertigo.
Physiotherapy manoeuvres
Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in rare cases where dizziness is caused by a more serious underlying problem, like a tumour or injury to the brain or neck.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing intake of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine and controlling other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease may help reduce episodes of vertigo.
Tips to Manage and Prevent Vertigo Episodes
Here are some tips for managing and preventing episodes of vertigo:
Understand the Triggers: Keep a diary to track when your vertigo occurs. It could help you identify triggers such as certain foods, lack of sleep, or stress that you can try to avoid.
Adapt Your Diet: Reduce your intake of salt, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can affect the fluid balance in your ears. Also, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Manage Stress Levels: Practise stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation, as stress can exacerbate vertigo.
Get Regular Sleep: Fatigue can worsen the symptoms of vertigo, so it is crucial to get enough sleep. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable sleeping environment.
Avoid Rapid Head Movements: Move slowly and avoid sudden changes in position, as this can trigger vertigo in some individuals.
Focus on a Fixed Point: If you experience a vertigo episode, try focusing on a fixed point in the distance. It can help alleviate the spinning sensation.
Seated Exercises: Engage in seated balance exercises to strengthen your balance and reduce the impact of vertigo.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of new treatments and management techniques for vertigo by consulting your GP regularly and researching.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the precise cause of vertigo is crucial. A comprehensive assessment can guide individuals toward an effective treatment plan, where physical therapy / physiotherapy plays a significant role in managing and mitigating the discomfort associated with vestibular disorders.
