We’ve all experienced feeling dizzy, as if we can’t concentrate or stay upright without swaying or falling over. Sometimes it happens when we stand up too fast or spin around over and over in circles. Many of us have had “tunnel vision,” which causes our peripheral vision to become dark for a few seconds. This can be scary and leave you feeling pretty disoriented and concerned about your well-being, especially if it happens often!
If this is something that has an impact on your day-to-day life, you may benefit from seeing a therapist at American Headache Institute in Rochester Hills, MI to help you discover a long-term solution to your problem. Our therapists specialize in helping patients battling symptoms of dizziness and vertigo so that they can return to a normal lifestyle without the fear of getting hurt.
The difference between vertigo and dizziness
Dizziness and vertigo are not the same! 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, that you can’t focus your vision for prolonged periods, or stand/move properly without feeling like you are going to topple over. Some of the most common reasons for experiencing vertigo are down below.
Why am I so dizzy?
There are several reasons why you’re feeling dizzy and off balance. Some of the most common conditions causing vertigo that our therapists at American Headache Institute have experience treating include:
Migraines
Migraines are super common! They’re pretty painful and can end up having you benched for the rest of the day, depending on when you get one. 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.
Vestibular neuritis
This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and problems concentrating.
Stroke
A stroke affects movement in your whole body. If you recently suffered a stroke, you may experience waves of vertigo that may linger for extended periods.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
The most prevalent cause of vertigo is BPPV. This condition occurs when the little calcium crystals in your ears break apart and travel to different sections of your ear where they aren’t supposed to be. This can result in unexpected spinning sensations (vertigo) and discomfort in the inner ear.
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.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be living with vertigo:
- Difficulty seeing or speaking
- Inability to focus or remain alert
- Nausea or vomiting
- Double vision
- Sweating
- Abnormal eye movements
- Arm or leg weakness
How can vestibular therapy help me?
Our clinic’s therapists are very skilled in diagnosing and treating both dizziness and vertigo for our patients located in Rochester Hills, MI. Vestibular therapy requires therapies such as Epley and Cawthorne head exercises.
The Epley Maneuver helps the canalith to be repositioned to transfer damaged calcium crystals in patients with BPPV. Cawthorne head exercises concentrate on decreasing nerve sensitivity and reducing vertiginous effects.
Your therapist will assess your condition and create a customized treatment plan that will address your concerns and get you back to feeling steady on your feet. Your treatment may involve exercises that take place in water, such as water walking and high knee marching.
It’s important to note that all patients have different conditions, and no two treatment plans are alike! Yours will be specifically curated to your needs, and if there are ever any questions you have about your treatment, feel free to ask us.
Call our clinic today
It’s time to fight back against dizziness and symptoms of vertigo. Life is happening right now, and you don’t want to miss it because you’re on your couch and the room is spinning! What are you waiting for? Call American Headache Institute today to schedule an appointment and have your condition assessed once and for all.
Tags: vestibular therapy, dizziness, vertigo
