It is great when you are a little kid, spinning around in circles until you can't keep your feet. And the feeling of the world spinning around you.
There is nothing better.
But when it doesn't stop…
Vertigo and dizziness are two common complaints, and they often lead to falls. Falls are the leading cause of admission to nursing homes and premature death.It is also a real issue if you have to be driving a car, rolling over in bed, putting your shoes on or sitting on public transport with the moving background out the window.
Vertigo is the feeling of spinning, moving or whirling when you are not actually moving. Dizziness on the other hand is the feeling of unsteadiness, lightheadedness or fatigue.
There are lots of causes of vertigo - some really sinister and need medical attention. These really nasty causes may include stroke, cancer or infection. But the good news is that most causes of vertigo are linked to what is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - or BPPV.
BPPV is a mechanical problem - and physios can help to fix these types of issues.It can be caused by older age, a head knock, car accident or it can just happen.
The anatomy of the inner ear involves little tubes called semicircular canals. Inside these canals is a fluid and crystals. The movement of the fluid and crystals in different directions in these semicircular canals is what gives us a sense of balance or stability. Until - some of these crystals get dislodged and move to another canal. This changes the way the fluid moves and sends these signals to the brain. The brain believes that you are moving around in circles and hence you feel a sense of vertigo.
The hallmarks of BPPV are short severe bursts of vertigo with small movements - such as rolling over in bed, tying your shoes or looking up. There is also a diagnostic test that can be performed to help diagnose BPPV - as distinct from other vertigo causing conditions such as labrynthitis or Meniere's Disease.
Treatment as well is relatively simple - the aim is to manouvre the head (and therefore the canals) into different positions to restore the normal placement of the crystals. With treatment, symptoms generally resolve and disappear within 2-3 sessions. Without treatment, these symptoms can last until the crystals are moved or broken up - which could take a number of weeks.
If you have vertigo - please give a physiotherapist a call as we are best placed to help you. We offer a FREE initial assessment - so if you are unsure and just wanted to chat, please give us a call on 95801985 or click here to book online.