by Nicole Whitbeck, SPTPT
Receiving physical therapy vertigo treatment early during an episode of BPPV can be vital as most times symptoms can worsen with time. Many physical therapists can treat vertigo and will help a person get a session as soon as possible to begin treating BPPV and decrease the feeling of vertigo.
Vertigo And Physical Therapy
In the United States, about 40% of adults experience the diagnosis of vertigo at least once throughout their lifetime. Vertigo is defined as a sensation that you or the environment around you is moving or spinning when you are not actually moving. What most people don’t know is that vertigo is a symptom that is CAUSED by another disorder within the body rather than a condition itself. Some causes of vertigo include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Migraines
- Inner ear infection
- Vestibular Neuronitis → inflammation of the vestibular nerve
The most common condition that causes the symptom of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). If someone has BPPV they will experience episodes of mild to intense dizziness/spinning that is usually triggered by certain changes of head position such as shaking the head yes or no, lying down, sitting up, rolling over in bed, or bending over. These episodes can last days to weeks depending on the individual and may include loss of balance, unsteadiness, nausea or vomiting.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)… What is it??
BPPV is caused by a dysfunction of the inner ear. The inner ear plays a role in movement by sensing the position and movement of the head within space and communicating this to the brain. Movement is sensed by fluid and sensory hair-like structures located within these looped structures called semicircular canals. The semicircular canals also contain structures that monitor the head’s position relative to gravity and create sensitivity to gravity. These structures are called crystals.
During an episode of BPPV, the crystals of the inner ear dislodged from where they “live” and make a person much more sensitive to normal head movements. The sensitivity of these movements causes the symptom of vertigo.
Physical Therapy Vertigo Treatment: How Your Physical Therapist Can Help
A person who is experiencing vertigo can go to a physical therapist to confirm that they have BPPV and receive treatment. The physical therapist will do a special test (see our video on vertigo assessment) that places the head in a very specific position and watches for certain eye movements that can only be created when someone has BPPV.
With this physical therapy vertigo assessment, the therapist can determine if the right or left inner ear is affected as well as the specific semicircular canal that is causing the issue. Once this is determined, the physical therapist will use a maneuver called the Epley maneuver to try to move the loose crystals back to where they “live” in the inner ear. The Epley maneuver uses 4 different positions of the head and body in succession to move the crystals within the inner ear.
Typically, the maneuver is repeated three times in a session. For some people, BPPV can be treated in one session, for others it may take multiple sessions to become symptom free.
Where can I find Physical Therapy For Vertigo Near Me?
Contact Capital Area Physical Therapy and Wellness for questions or treatment for vertigo. With three physical therapy clinics in Queensbury, Malta and Saratoga, our experienced staff can provide therapy and follow-up care no matter where you live in the Capital Region. Call 518-289-5242 today to schedule an appointment.
References:
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, August 18). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vertigo/symptoms-causes/syc-20370055.
- Vertigo. ucsfhealth.org. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/vertigo.
- Vertigo causes and treatment. causes & treatment – Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform. (2020, December 22). Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/vertigo.
