Plus: What symptoms to look for and how we may be able to help
Have you ever been going about your daily life only to feel like the world around you was caught in a whirlwind? This unnerving situation is known as vertigo and is distinct from the general lightheaded feeling of dizziness. Vertigo is fairly common, especially as people age. In the vast majority of cases (over 90%), people experience peripheral vertigo, which stems from an issue with the inner ear. The remaining 10% of people are experiencing central vertigo, which is caused by an issue with the brain.
Fortunately, therapy at American Headache Institute can help address central vertigo symptoms, particularly with vestibular rehabilitation, a set of specialized exercises that target some of the major contributors to vertigo attacks. Our team can help you understand your type of vertigo and work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.
To learn more about central vertigo, keep reading–or give us a call at our Rochester Hills, MI therapy clinic!
Understanding the Two Types of Vertigo
Both types of vertigo indicate an impairment in your vestibular system, the system in your body responsible for maintaining your balance. Researchers divide the vestibular system into two main systems:
- The peripheral vestibular system consists primarily of the canals in your inner ear responsible for sensing motion. Along with your vision, muscles, and joints, it provides the sensory input necessary for you to stay upright.
- The central vestibular system consists of the brain and brainstem. It sorts and interprets the sensory information from your vestibular system and the rest of your body.
When someone has central vertigo, they have an issue with how their brain interprets sensory data. While peripheral vertigo is usually related to a buildup in the inner ears that prevents the vestibular system from sending in sensory information, central vertigo is often more complex and can sometimes indicate a serious underlying condition.
That said, central vertigo has several potential causes, some of which are easier to address than others. They include the following:
- Stroke aftereffects
- Multiple sclerosis
- Vascular disease
- Migraines
- Certain types of drugs, including alcohol
It’s important to remember that vertigo is a symptom, not a condition in and of itself. It may be the only symptom you experience, or may it be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, or difficulty walking. It all depends on the underlying cause.
How therapy at American Headache Institute Can Help wth Central Vertigo
One of the first things our team can do is help you understand the type of vertigo you have–whether central or peripheral. We can also work with you to identify the underlying cause, which is crucial in developing a treatment approach.
However, therapy can also help reduce vertigo attacks in and of themselves! Vestibular therapy is a dedicated vertigo treatment plan that seeks to address the following:
- Gaze stability
- Motion sensitivity
- Posture and balance
- Overall physical condition
Vestibular rehabilitation is most effective when we customize it to your specific needs. This is especially important for central vertigo. For example, a stroke patient may need to focus on balance and gait to prevent falls, while someone with vestibular migraines may need to pay more attention to gaze stability and motion sensitivity.
As with “standard” therapy, vestibular rehabilitation utilizes both in-clinic and at-home exercises to help you see improvement. Our therapists will show you which ones will most benefit you, ensure you’re performing them correctly, and monitor your progress so we can adjust the program accordingly.
Exercises included in vestibular rehabilitation include the following:
- Vision exercises, such as focusing and unfocusing your gaze on a visual field or quickly looking back and forth between objects
- Balance training, in which we work to improve your overall balance through progressive balance challenges
- Physical conditioning, in which we’ll help you develop an exercise program that suits your needs
- Habituation exercises, in which you “habituate” your body to certain vertigo triggers
- Vertigo management strategies, in which we’ll help you manage vertigo attacks when they do happen
What To Expect At Your Appointments for Central Vertigo
Your first appointment will focus on helping you identify the type of vertigo and its underlying cause. One of our therapists will thoroughly assess your health history, medications, symptoms, and details about your vertigo attacks. We’ll also perform several simple physical screens to check your balance, strength, mobility, and more.
We’ll then develop your customized treatment plan based on the information from your assessment. At subsequent appointments, we’ll work through your program, addressing the areas where you need the most assistance. For most patients with central vertigo, this will likely mean addressing balance and gait impairments in addition to vertigo itself.
Request Your Appointment Today!
If you’re struggling with vertigo, it’s important to seek treatment–not only to relieve your symptoms but to address the underlying cause. While the vast majority of vertigo cases are benign, it can occasionally indicate a more serious issue. Even if the vertigo itself isn’t dangerous, increased fall risk is, so improving balance and stability is key!
Fortunately, American Headache Institute can help with all of that right there in Rochester Hills, MI. Request an appointment with us today!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441861/
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Vertigo
https://vestibular.org/article/what-is-vestibular/the-human-balance-system/the-human-balance-system-how-do-we-maintain-our-balance/
https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-vertigo
Tags: natural pain relief, vestibular therapy, dizziness, vertigo
