Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy provides specialized physical therapy solutions to manage vertigo in adults throughout the Spokane, WA area. With a dedicated focus on Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), we offer tailored treatment plans for individuals experiencing vertigo due to sports concussions, car injuries, or other related conditions.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific kind of dizziness characterized by the sensation of spinning or swaying when a person isn’t moving. This condition stems from disturbances in the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
The primary symptom of vertigo is a feeling that either you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. This is often described as a whirling or tilting sensation. It can be quite disorienting and may cause nausea or even vomiting in severe cases. Additionally, individuals experiencing vertigo may also report a variety of other symptoms, including:
- Imbalance: Difficulty in maintaining a steady posture, leading to a higher risk of falls.
- Nausea & Vomiting: The disorienting sensations can often lead to feelings of sickness.
- Tinnitus: Ringing or other noises in the ear, which may coincide with episodes of vertigo.
- Hearing Loss: In some cases, especially if vertigo is related to inner ear disorders, there might be a temporary or permanent hearing reduction.
- Vision Disturbance: Difficulty focusing or tracking objects with the eyes, often because the eyes involuntarily move in a rapid, jerky motion known as nystagmus.
These symptoms can occur suddenly and last for a few seconds to several minutes, or even longer in some cases. The intensity and frequency of vertigo episodes varies greatly from one individual to another. Some people experience rare and mild episodes, and other deal with frequent and severe bouts.
Understanding Vertigo & Its Impact On Health
Vertigo, primarily characterized by bouts of dizziness, can compromise an individual’s balance and spatial orientation. It originates from issues in the semicircular canals in the ear, which transmit brain impulses that help maintain balance.
Types of vertigo include:
- Peripheral Vertigo: This is commonly caused by conditions like labyrinthitis or Meniere’s disease. it typically originates from problems in the inner ear, and can cause nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, hearing loss, or tinnitus.
- Positional Vertigo: This type of vertigo is characterized by brief, intense episodes. It’s normally triggered by head movements, and is often related to dislodgment of tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is a form of positional vertigo with short, intense episodes. It’s caused by clumps of calcium particles in the inner ear canals, and often leads to disrupted signals to the brain about head and body movements.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: A Solution For Vertigo
VRT, an exercise-based therapy, is instrumental in managing vertigo symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause, treatments may involve Home Epley Maneuvers, Brandt-Daroff exercises, and therapeutic repositioning maneuvers.
Specialized Therapies By A Certified Physical Therapist
Administered by AIB/VRC certified professional, Sean Freeman, our therapies are customized to each patient’s individual needs. We’re committed to delivering superior care focused on mitigating symptoms and enhancing general well-being.
- Individualized Exercise Regimes
- Treatment For Peripheral & Positional Vertigo
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
Post-Injury Vertigo Treatment
Sports injuries and car accidents can trigger vertigo. Dealing with such discomfort can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life and overall health. Understanding this, our physical therapy clinic has developed and fine-tuned specialized post-injury treatment protocols aimed at relieving you of these distressing vertigo symptoms.
Our professionally trained therapists will conduct appropriate evaluations to identify the root cause of your vertigo and design a personalized, step-by-step care plan tailor-made to your specific needs. Our main objective is to alleviate your vertigo symptoms and help you regain control of your life.
Skilled Management Of Concussion-Related Vertigo
We provide comprehensive therapies for concussion-related vertigo, focusing on restoring balance and mitigating dizziness for optimal recovery.
At our physical therapy clinic, we offer an all-encompassing suite of therapeutic approaches to address vertigo related to concussions. We specialize in restoring balance and mitigating the disconcerting effects of dizziness for an ideal recovery process.
The cornerstone of our approach centers on vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), a treatment strategy that works to improve balance and reduce issues related to dizziness. With a team of highly experienced physical therapists, we devise personalized treatment programs designed to help patients regain their balance and coordination while significantly reducing the incidence and severity of dizziness and vertigo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertigo Treatment
1. What causes vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly caused by dysfunction in the inner ear, particularly within the vestibular system, which controls balance. Conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, or Meniere’s disease can disrupt how the brain interprets balance signals. Head injuries, such as concussions, can also trigger vertigo by affecting how the inner ear and brain interact.
2. What medical treatments are used to manage vertigo symptoms?
At Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy, vertigo is treated through Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), which uses evidence-based exercises to retrain the brain’s balance system. Treatments may include Epley maneuvers, Brandt-Daroff exercises, gaze stabilization exercises, and balance training. These are prescribed after a detailed evaluation to target the root cause of the vertigo.
3. How is vertigo diagnosed at your clinic?
Our physical therapists begin with a comprehensive medical and symptom history followed by vestibular function testing. This may include positional tests like the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, balance assessments, and visual tracking tests to identify nystagmus. These evaluations help determine whether the vertigo is peripheral or central and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
4. Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) safe for people with chronic vertigo?
Yes, VRT is a non-invasive, clinically supported treatment option that is safe and effective for patients with chronic or recurring vertigo. Each program is tailored to the patient’s condition and tolerance, and exercises are modified based on progress. The therapy is designed to minimize symptoms over time while improving balance, coordination, and quality of life.
5. How long does it take to see results from vertigo treatment?
The timeline for symptom relief varies by individual and the underlying cause of vertigo. Some patients with BPPV may experience significant improvement after just one or two sessions. Others with more complex vestibular disorders or post-concussion vertigo may require several weeks of therapy. Regular follow-up ensures the treatment plan adapts to your recovery progress.
Seek Vertigo Assistance Today
Don’t let vertigo rob you of your comfort and daily routine. Our protocols incorporate evidence-based techniques such as balance exercises and gaze stability training, which aid in retraining your brain to coordinate balance and manage symptoms effectively.
With our unwavering commitment to excellence and treating our patients with utmost care and respect, you can trust us to provide personalized attention, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Contact us and let our skilled therapists diagnose your condition and craft an effective, personalized treatment plan for you.
