Vertigo (Dizziness)

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a condition in which an individual experiences periods of dizziness, feeling like they are moving when they are not. Physical therapy can treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (or BPPV for short), which is a disorder that can cause short bouts of vertigo when moving the head, often causing an onset of nausea as well.

Spells of vertigo can last anywhere between a few seconds and a few minutes. A very common complaint among those who suffer from BPPV is that the room seems to spin around them when adjusting their position in bed, making it difficult to fall asleep.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is most common among elderly patients, which only increases its risks. If an elderly individual is standing up or moving around when a bout of vertigo attacks, there can be a high risk of injury from falling. Because of this, it is often wisest to seek treatment for BPPV as soon as it is identified.

Vertigo: Common Symptoms

difficulty reading
difficulty walking
dizziness
frequent falling
nausea
vomiting

Vertigo Causes

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is caused by problems in the inner ear, home of the vestibular system, which is responsible for our sense of balance. Fluids in the inner ear flow freely over hair-like sensory cells to supply the brain with information on how the body is moving. When this system malfunctions, the brain can be sent signals indicating that the body is moving when it really isn’t.

When the vestibular system is telling the brain that the body is moving and the eyes are saying that it isn’t, the brain thinks something is wrong. Jumping to a conclusion, this mismatch in information causes the brain to assume the body has been poisoned with some sort of toxin, causing the brain to induce feelings of nausea in an attempt to vomit it up. Naturally, this is very unpleasant for the individual suffering from vertigo, making an already inconvenient condition even worse.

Vertigo Treatment

Always consult your physician before attempting any kind of treatment program.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be effectively treated with physical therapy. At Central Washington Physical Therapy, located in Yakima, our staff is trained in repositioning maneuvers that can improve the condition and reduce symptoms in as little as one session. These techniques involve precise head movements and instructions in home care that can help you return to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.

If you suffer from vertigo, Central Washington Physical Therapy may be able to help. Contact us below to get started.