0Vertigo is the sensation of spinning that can make you feel dizzy and nauseous, like you’ve lost your balance. Luckily, many vertigo physiotherapy treatments can help!
Physical therapy is a safe and efficient treatment option for vertigo. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a special field of physio that is designed to treat vertigo. Align HC’s experienced physiotherapists are here to help, and we’ve outlined everything about physiotherapy and vertigo below!
Key Takeaways
- VRT is an effective physio treatment for vertigo.
- VRT includes various clinic and home exercises, such as gaze stabilisation and habituation.
- Inner ear problems are the most common cause of vertigo.
- Diagnosing vertigo includes a variety of tests, from eye and ear assessments to a CT or MRI scan.
Causes of Vertigo
If you experience vertigo, there are several likely different causes. Here are a few of the most common conditions or injuries that cause vertigo:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Head injury
- Acoustic neuroma
- Vestibular neuritis
- Ménière’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Moreover, inner ear canal problems are a common cause of dizziness and vertigo. BPPV in particular is a common cause of vertigo because it affects vestibular function, which is part of your inner ear.
Vestibular disorders can lead to balance problems, a vestibular migraine, and more. If you have BPPV, certain head movements can trigger vertigo.
Symptoms of Vertigo
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dizziness or spinning, you likely have vertigo. Below are more common vertigo symptoms:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Unsteadiness and disorientation when standing or walking
- Losing balance
- Unintentional eye movement
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Diagnosing Vertigo
To reduce symptoms of dizziness and vertigo and start a treatment plan, you may have to undergo several tests for a diagnosis first. Usually, your GP will diagnose you or refer you to a specialist.
Here are some common steps when diagnosing vertigo:
Symptom History Overview
A medical professional will need to ask for a history of your symptoms to understand the nature and cause before effective treatment. They may ask when you first experienced symptoms, how long episodes last, and what triggers it.
Balance Tests
There are two common balance exercises you may have. The Romberg test is when you stand with your feet together and your eyes closed – this test has a few stages and several variations. The Postural Stability test will assess how well you can maintain balance while standing on different surfaces or with your eyes closed.
Hallpike’s Manoeuvre
Hallpike’s manoeuvre is a test that will temporarily make you experience symptoms of vertigo. This is done to diagnose BPPV. You will be quickly moved from a sitting position to a supine position with your head turned to the side.
Hearing Tests
Vertigo often presents as hearing loss or inner ear function. An audiometry test will measure your hearing acuity across various frequencies. An audiometry test will evaluate the condition of your middle ear and your eardrum.
Eye Tests
Vertigo may affect the function of your eyes and their coordination with balance. A Videonystagmography (VNG) test uses cameras to track your eye movements for abnormalities.
Blood Tests
Various types of vertigo can be caused by systematic issues. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test will search for anaemia or infection. Thyroid Function tests rule out thyroid disorders, and blood glucose tests assess your glucose levels for diabetes or hypoglycaemia. These could reveal that your vertigo is caused by a problem in your blood.
CT or MRI Scans
A CT scan will offer detailed images of part of the inner ear and surrounding structures to determine issues like tumours that could be causing vertigo. An MRI shows detailed images of your brain and vestibular system, to identify problems like neuroma.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Vertigo
Vertigo can be treated effectively with physio! Here are a few treatment options that our physios use to alleviate vertigo.
Epley Manoeuvre
The Epley Manoeuvre is specifically used for treating BPPV. It involves a series of specific head and body movements to reposition displaced inner ear crystals, which can become dislodged and make you feel like you’re spinning around.
Brandt-Daroff Exercises
These are exercises you can do at home in your room (or the environment of your choosing). They’re specifically designed for people with BPPV and can help dislodge problematic ear crystals.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
A major part of physical therapy, called Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), may help relieve your vertigo symptoms. This therapeutic technique is specifically designed to alleviate vertigo symptoms and other balance issues. VRT is especially effective if inner ear problems cause your vertigo.
VRT includes exercises and techniques that calibrate your vestibular system. Treatment with VRT usually spans from 6 weeks to 18 months, depending on the severity of your vertigo. Here are two VRT exercises that can reduce vertigo symptoms:
- Gaze Stabilisation: You will be trained to fix your gaze on an object while turning your head or body. This will help improve the coordination between your eyes and your vestibular system.
- Habituation: This will help you get used to specific movements or conditions that trigger vertigo, especially if these symptoms make you feel like the world is spinning around.
Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises
These are general exercises that can help you regain balance and coordination. You will focus on a specific point while moving your head and throwing a ball while turning around.
Functional Training
Functional training involves practising daily activities that might be difficult because of your vertigo. A physio can stimulate conditions with false signals that will trigger your symptoms and train you to manage them.
Neurofeedback
Sometimes, physios use neurofeedback methods to treat vertigo. This helps your brain adapt to vestibular system signals.
VOR Adaptation Exercises
VOR adaptation exercises improve your Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR). Your VOR is important for maintaining your vision and balance. These exercises involve turning your head while keeping your gaze fixed. Usually, you will have to do this while walking or navigating obstacles.
Sensory Organisation Techniques
These techniques improve the blending of your visual, vestibular, and sensory information. They will help you feel more balanced and can offer improved spatial orientation.
Align HC: Vestibular Physiotherapy for Vertigo
If you have vertigo, physio and rehab are some of the best options to manage your symptoms. Vestibular physiotherapy is a versatile field with specialised treatments for balance problems caused by inner ear issues.
With vestibular physiotherapy, you have access to a safe, effective, and drug-free treatment plan for your vertigo and dizziness. When you’re ready to make an appointment, reach out to Align HC, and we’ll help you manage your vertigo with a personalised treatment plan.
Physio for Vertigo | Vertigo Treatment | FAQs
Is it better to rest or be active with vertigo?
You need a balance of rest and activity to help you manage vertigo. If you experience an acute episode, it’s important to rest and recover. However, certain exercises are tailored for vertigo. It’s essential to regularly engage in these body and eye exercises for rehabilitation and treatment.
What is the easiest exercise for vertigo?
The Foster manoeuvre is one of the easiest exercises for vertigo. If you have right-ear BPPV, you just kneel and place your hands on the floor, then tilt your head up and back until your dizziness passes.
After this, move your forehead to the floor, tuck your chin to your knees, and turn your head 45 degrees to your left elbow for 30 seconds. Then raise your head to the proper upright position. If you have left-ear BPPV, do this exercise on the other side.
What exercises should I avoid with vertigo?
You should avoid exercises that involve your head changing elevation if you have vertigo. For example, you shouldn’t do step-ups, lunges, or squats. Additionally, yoga, swimming, jogging, and weightlifting might trigger an episode.
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