Dizziness is common and can have many causes. Vertigo, however, is a little different. While dizziness is typically synonymous with “lightheadedness,” which creates the illusion of being unsteady, vertigo is typically a response to a physiological factor that is causing a literal imbalance in your body.
We’ve all had the sensation of being dizzy – as if you can’t focus, can’t see straight, can’t stand upright without swaying or falling. You may even experience “tunnel vision,” where your peripheral vision goes dark for a few seconds.
Those experiencing vertigo have reported feeling as if they are “rocking” or “spinning,” even when they are sitting still. If you are in Jefferson, NC living with dizziness or vertigo, don’t hesitate to contact Schuster Physical Therapy today.
Why am I so dizzy?
A few of the many factors that can lead to dizziness include lack of sleep, poor nutrition, overexertion, or a physical ailment, such as a head cold or the flu.
Dizziness can also occur from something as simple as standing up too quickly after an extended period of rest. Some accompanying symptoms of dizziness may include:
- Lightheadedness or heavy-headedness
- Momentarily impaired vision (i.e. tunnel vision)
- Feeling woozy or faint
- Loss of balance
Am I experiencing vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the inner ear, also known as the “vestibular system.” Your vestibular system helps you maintain your balance and center of gravity by sending messages to your brain regarding your movement. When this is impaired, the necessary messages become blocked from your brain, and your movement becomes affected.
You may feel as if the world is spinning around you, you can’t focus your vision for prolonged periods of time, or you can’t stand/move properly without feeling like you are going to topple over. Some common causes of vertigo include:
Meniere’s disease
This occurs when fluid builds up in your ear(s). This typically includes “ringing” in your ear and sudden waves of intense dizziness that may last for hours. You may also experience momentary hearing losses.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
This is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when the tiny calcium crystals located in your ears break apart and move around to different parts of the ear, where they are not supposed to be. This can cause sudden spinning sensations (vertigo) and inner-ear discomfort.
Migraines
Migraines can impact your vestibular system, thus causing episodes of vertigo which may be coupled with a sensitivity to light or sound. Vision may also be impaired.
Stroke
A stroke affects movement in your whole body. If you recently suffered a stroke, you may experience waves of vertigo which may linger for extended periods of time.
Vestibular neuritis
This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be living with vertigo:
- Double vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Inability to focus or remain alert
- Difficulty seeing or speaking
- Arm or leg weakness
- Abnormal eye movements
- Sweating
How will physical therapy help my dizziness and vertigo?
Both dizziness and vertigo can hinder your daily life, limiting your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. Luckily, no matter what the cause may be, physical therapy for dizziness and vertigo can help. Schuster Physical Therapy is very successful at diagnosing and treating both dizziness and vertigo with vestibular rehabilitation in Jefferson, NC.
Vestibular rehabilitation includes treatments such as the Epley maneuver and Cawthorne head exercises. The Epley maneuver allows for canalith repositioning, in order to move the broken calcium crystals in patients experiencing BPPV. Cawthorne head exercises focus on decreasing nerve sensitivity and reducing the effects of vertigo.
Get Back on Your Feet Today
In Jefferson, NC, recovery from vertigo is only offered in select practices, Schuster Physical Therapy being one of them. Our advanced methods have earned us a reputation for treating dizziness and vertigo.
If you are experiencing either of these conditions, contact us to schedule an appointment today at Jefferson, NC. We will help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
