Dizziness and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Dizziness and Rehabilitation
—From Dr. Lauren Baier, PT, DPT at Langford Sports & Physical Therapy
Did you know a physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation can help you with dizziness and balance problems? The vestibular system is a sensory system located in your inner ear that helps you to understand where your head is in space and in relation to your body, and helps your eyes and muscles make adjustments when your head moves. If the vestibular system is not functioning properly, this could result in symptoms like dizziness and unsteadiness on your feet, or even falls.
If you or someone you love is having problems with dizziness, loss of balance, or falls, have them schedule a physical therapy evaluation with a provider who is experienced with vestibular rehabilitation. Your evaluation will include assessment of: the function of your vestibular system, the part of your brain and central nervous system that communicates with your vestibular system, your neck muscles and neck range of motion, and your balance and coordination. Based on the findings during your examination, your physical therapist will work with you to create a plan of care to address any problem areas and work to reduce your symptoms of dizziness and improve your balance!
A few common causes of dizziness treated during vestibular rehab are:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo- brief (less than one minute), but intense bouts of spinning or vertigo when looking up or down, turning your head, or rolling in bed. BPPV can usually be treated successfully in 1-2 sessions!
Vestibular migraine- migraines that manifest as minutes or hours of dizziness, loss of balance, and nausea and may include aura (flashing lights, spinning, squiggles or loss of vision, etc.). Vestibular migraine may or may not include a headache, so often goes undiagnosed.
Unilateral vestibular hypofunction due to labyrinthis or vestibular neuritis- a few days of intense dizziness, spinning, nausea, and vomiting with severe loss of balance that gradually gets better over the course of a few weeks. Many people benefit from some vestibular rehabilitation to help them improve their balance and gaze stabilization to reduce symptoms more quickly.Dizziness can be managed and, usually, it can be treated. It is important to manage dizziness because experiencing vertigo increases your fall risk, increases your anxiety and stress, contributes to cancelled social outings, impacts your relationships, and influences your quality of life.
There are many other conditions and syndromes that can cause dizziness and loss of balance. If you are struggling with dizziness and balance problems, call Langford today at 505-266-3655 to set up an evaluation with Dr. Lauren Baier, PT, DPT to start implementing your treatment plan today.
Dr. Lauren Baier, PT, DPT is a caring, talented physical therapist at Langford Sports & Physical Therapy. She speaks Spanish and emphasizes vestibular (balance) rehabilitation. Dr. Baier works with all ages and populations to help patients return to their enjoyed activities.
What if you’re hurt, or can’t do these movements well or without pain?
Let us know. We would be happy to help you, through individualized physical therapy with our experienced physical therapists. Contact us today to get started! Remember, you might not need a referral to see a physical therapist, so call our office today and see how you can get started. Have a wonderful ski season!
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