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Appointments Medicare Hand Clinic For Physicians For Insurance Companies Outcomes/FOTO HOME |
DIZZINESS/ IMBALANCE
The most common cause of dizziness is due to problems within the inner ear. This is where our vestibular system is located. The primary function of the vestibular system is to keep our bodies oriented correctly in space by processing signals between our eyes, ears, head, torso and limbs. When there is a problem within the vestibular system a person will frequently experience symptoms such as imbalance, dizziness/ vertigo, nausea, headache, fatigue and even anxiety. These symptoms may cause a person to restrict their daily activities sufficiently to result in loss of strength, reduced motion, and increased isolation.
At Physical Therapy Plus we can provide effective treatment specifically targeted to a person’s unique vestibular disorder. Following a thorough evaluation, which includes a review of any specialized testing from the physician or audiologist, we will customize a therapeutic program based upon the findings of the evaluation. When treatment is focused on improving the interaction between the vestibular system and our bodies it is referred to as Vestibular Rehabilitation.
Adaptation training exercises are frequently used to help retrain the brain to recognize normal movements of the head and eyes, and to more accurately interpret and use information from the inner ear. Vestibular exercises always start slow and easy at first, then are gradually advanced as the program proceeds. During vestibular rehabilitation, the patient is always instructed in specific exercises to be done faithfully at home. This is a critical part of a successful program.
The good news is that studies have shown that vestibular rehabilitation customized for a patient results in 85 percent resolution of symptoms. This is a significant improvement over the use of medications alone – (less than 50 percent resolution).
POSITIONAL VERTIGO
A unique form of dizziness called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (or, BPPV for short) is characterized by episodic, short duration bouts of dizziness, nausea, and/or imbalance that are related to movements of the head and specific changes of body position. This condition is caused by loose calcium carbonate crystals that have become dislodged from their normal location and are free-floating in the semi-circular canals of the inner ear. This can occur after a direct blow to the head, a traumatic accident, or simply from the aging process itself. During changes in head position the free-floating crystals cause abnormal signals to be sent to the brain from the vestibular system causing a profound sense of disorientation and dizziness.
Fortunately, this is a relatively simple disorder to diagnose and treat. Once the BPPV has been correctly identified it can be treated with a precise series of head movements that are referred to as the Canalith Repositioning Maneuver. Usually only one or two treatments are required. If the therapist determines that the condition has interfered with some of the balance mechanisms, then a brief period of balance retraining therapy may be recommended.
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