Are you suffering from vertigo? Do you feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet? Are you struggling with dizziness and nausea? If so, you’re not alone. Vertigo is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of underlying factors. For many people, the thought of living with vertigo is a nightmare. That feeling of dizziness and disorientation can make it hard to do everyday activities like working, grocery shopping, or even just going for a walk. The good news is that there are treatments available that can help to provide relief. At Richmond Blundell Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, our Vertigo specialists are proud to offer effective vertigo relief for our patients.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the illusion of spinning even when you’re not moving. It’s more than just feeling dizzy. It is the sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning. You may feel as if you’ve lost your balance and are about to fall.
What are the causes of Vertigo?
Vertigo can be caused by a number of different things. Most commonly vertigo is caused by an inner ear problem, such as Neuritis or Labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear). Other causes include Meniere’s disease (a disorder of the inner ear), migraines, and certain medications.
Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis
Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis, are conditions that commonly affect the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for balance and equilibrium. Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis occur when the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain becomes inflamed. This can happen due to a viral infection, such as the cold or flu. However, in some cases, the exact cause of the inflammation is unknown. Some symptoms of vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. Labyrinthitis can also cause hearing loss.
Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, the feeling of fullness in the ear and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an abnormal amount of fluid in the inner ear. The most common symptom of Meniere’s disease is vertigo, a spinning sensation.
BPPV
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV, is a condition that can cause brief episodes of mild to severe vertigo. It is caused when tiny calcium crystals become dislodged from the inner ear and enter the semicircular canals of the ear. These crystals then interfere with the ability of the semicircular canals to sense movement. It is usually triggered by specific changes in head position, such as looking up, lying down or rolling in bed. As a result, patients with BPPV may experience vertigo, nausea, and vomiting when they change position.
What are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
Symptoms of vertigo can include
- Sensation of spinning
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Ringing in the ear or hearing loss
- Tilting
- Swaying/Unsteadiness
How is Vertigo Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of vertigo generally begins with a thorough history and physical exam by a physiotherapist experienced in Vertigo (Vestibular Physiotherapist). They will ask about symptoms (what you are feeling), what may have caused- them, other health conditions, medications being taken, and any family history of dizziness or balance disorders. A physical examination will include tests for the inner ear, neck, vision and balance. In some cases, further testing may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include an MRI or CT scan of the head, ENG (electronystagmography which tests the inner ear), or vestibular function testing.
How long does Vertigo Last?
For many people, vertigo is a temporary condition. However, for some people, vertigo can be a chronic condition that leads to long-term effects. There are many different causes of vertigo, but the most common ones include inner ear infections, BPPV (positional vertigo), head injuries, and migraines. In severe cases, vertigo can lead to balance problems and falls. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Treatment for vertigo will vary depending on the underlying cause, but often includes vestibular rehabilitation exercises prescribed by a qualified Vestibular Physiotherapist and medications to help relieve symptoms. With proper treatment, most people with vertigo will recover and live normal, healthy lives.
Common Vertigo Treatment in Richmond?
There are several vertigo treatments, including medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Medications are typically used to help relieve symptoms and dizziness. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a type of physical therapy, by a physiotherapist that helps to retrain your brain to process information from your inner ear more effectively and compensate for the loss of balance. Surgery is only considered in severe cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful. If you’re experiencing vertigo, talk to your doctor about which treatment option is right for you. Book now at a vertigo clinic near you.
Looking for vertigo & vestibular rehabilitation in Richmond, BC?
If you suffer from vertigo, our experienced team at Richmond Blundell Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic can help. We specialize in treating positional vertigo and vestibulopathies. Give us a call or get in touch through our contact form to book an appointment today. You can also Book an online appointment with us.
FAQs
1) What are the most common causes of Vertigo that are treated at Richmond Blundell Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic?
Common causes of Vertigo include:
- Inner ear infection causing neuritis or labyrinthitis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Migraine
- Meniere’s disease
- Medications
2) Are dizziness and nausea the first signs of vertigo?
The first signs of vertigo are usually a feeling of spinning, lightheadedness or dizziness. This may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Often, people with vertigo also have trouble keeping their balance and may feel unsteady on their feet.
3) What is the best treatment to get rid of Vertigo?
As there are a number of causes of vertigo, you will need to be assessed by a qualified health care practitioner, such as a Vestibular Physiotherapist who can help to determine the best type of treatment you need to treat your vertigo. Depending on the cause of your vertigo treatment will include some manual treatment, vestibular exercises and referral back to your doctor for medications and imaging if required.
4) Which Clinics at Allied Physiotherapy Health Group near me, have vestibular physiotherapists for the treatment of vertigo?
White Rock 16Ave Physiotherapy & Wellness Clinic
Surrey Hwy 10 Physiotherapy & Massage Clinic
Panorama Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic
Cloverdale Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic
Clayton Heights 188St Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic
Richmond Blundell Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic
Richmond Steveston Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic
Surrey 152 St Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic
Surrey 88 Ave Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic
5)Who should I see if I have vertigo?
If you are experiencing vertigo, it is recommended that you see your family doctor. Your doctor will be able to assess you and refer you to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist or a neurologist, depending on your symptoms. Often, your doctor or specialist will refer you to a Vestibular Physiotherapist who can assess you and begin treatment immediately. No referral is required to book directly with a Vestibular Physiotherapist, who will start your treatment straight away. So, if you are suffering from vertigo, don’t wait to seek help. At Richmond Blundell Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, we have qualified Vestibular Physiotherapists who can assist you.
About Natasha Szucs Reg. P.T
Natasha Szucs is a Vestibular Physiotherapist with Allied Physiotherapy Health Group. She treats patients with vertigo, vestibular conditions and concussion injuries using education, progressive exercises, and manual therapy to restore full function. Her treatment philosophy ensures patients have the tools they need to understand, progress and manage their conditions. Natasha’s goal is to provide the best care to all her patients.