There are many causes of vertigo, and it can last from a few seconds to a few months, with varying degrees and formats of symptoms. While it can feel difficult to deal with, don’t let ongoing dizziness affect your social and work life.
Read on to learn about poor balance and vertigo, and what to do if you’ve been feeling seriously dizzy.
Most Common Causes of Dizziness & Their Treatment
Feeling dizzy or experiencing a spinning sensation is a common sign of vertigo, and the feeling usually gets worse when you move your head. Other typical vertigo symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Ringing ears
- Sweating
- Involuntary movements in the eyes
Vertigo – What is It?
Summed up as extreme dizziness, vertigo gives sufferers the feeling that they or their surroundings are moving or spinning. Similar to motion sickness but without that lightheaded feeling, it’s commonly accompanied by a loss of balance.
There are two main types of vertigo; peripheral vertigo (resulting from an inner ear or nerve problem), and central vertigo (stems from an issue in the brain such as a tumour, stroke, or infection).
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
The most common form of vertigo is known as BPPV, where an intense spinning or giddiness sensation briefly occurs. Typically caused by a knock to the head, BPPV is caused by the loosening of minuscule calcium ear crystals that end up in semicircular ear canals.
This change results in abnormal fluid movement, stimulating hairlike sensors in the air that send a confused message to the brain making you feel highly dizzy. Treatments focus on physical therapy exercises.
Migraines
Migraines are never easy, but a serious vestibular migraine can cause episodes of imbalance or vertigo for minutes to days. These symptoms of vestibular migraines can happen without the headache itself, instead causing long-lasting dizziness. Treatment includes medication and physical therapy for long-term sufferers.
Head & Neck Injuries
Oftentimes vertigo can be brought on by a traumatic injury to the neck or head. This occurs when the vestibular system is damaged, which is the all-important link between the brain and inner ears. Injury to this area can mean confused messaging between these two typically high-functioning areas of the body, resulting in vertigo or imbalance.
Treatment includes curing underlying causes, lifestyle changes, and physical rehabilitation exercises.
Infections
An inner viral infection of the vestibular nerves can render the patient with intense vertigo. Known as vestibular neuritis, this serious infection can result in a constant feeling of giddiness or spinning until rectified. Treatment includes prescribed medications and physical rehabilitation exercises.
Meniere’s disease
A disorder of the inner ear caused by a build-up of fluids, Meniere’s disease often results in hearing loss and rapid vertigo episodes that can continue for multiple hours at a time. Treatment includes diuretic medication and ongoing physical therapy.
Should I be worried about experiencing dizziness?
As there are many reasons to experience dizzy spells, it is essential to consult with a medical professional to correctly diagnose vertigo and determine what is causing it.
BBPV and the movement of ear crystals are more likely to occur if you have had a head injury, chronic ear infections, or are over 65; don’t hesitate to visit the professionals at Miami Physio if you suspect you have BPPV for efficient diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
While stress does not cause vertigo, it can make it worse along with poor lifestyle choices and limited physical activity. If you suffer from dizzy spells or a vestibular migraine, it’s worthwhile accessing expert care for the treatment of balance issues to restore your quality of life.
Concerned about your dizziness? Book an Appointment
Miami Physio has been providing professional physiotherapy treatment for vertigo and symptoms of vestibular migraines since opening in 2006, providing each valued client with customised treatments and recovery plans with highly effective results.
Contact Miami Physio today to book an appointment at the Lakelands or Falcon clinic, or with any queries about vertigo or dizzy spells.
