Have You Ever Experienced:
- Dizziness?
- Episodes of spinning?
- Periods of light headedness?
- Trouble focusing or reading?
- Loss of balance?
- Increased fatigue?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a vestibular problem.
WHAT IS THE VESTIBULAR SYSTEM?
It is made up of three small, semicircular canals, two sensory organs called the utricle and saccule, and the vestibular nerve, located in the inner ear. The vestibular system helps us detect changes in head movement or body position to maintain balance.
COMMON VESTIBULAR DIAGNOSES:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
A condition where free floating calcium particles move into the semicircular canals, causing vertigo or spinning, with changes in head position.
Vestibular Labrynthitis or Neuritis
A virus affecting the inner ear. Symptoms may include dizziness, loss of hearing, and loss of balance.
Disuse Equilibrium and Fear Of Falling
After episodes of dizziness, normal movement feels awkward and loss of balance increases the risk of falling. Muscles and joints become stiff, and even walking becomes difficult.
Motion Sensitivity
Certain motions cause a sensation of spinning, lightheadedness, or nausea. The eyes, head, and body become out of sync and everyday motions like turning the head to drive become problematic.
Central Vertigo
A condition caused by damage to the central nervous system from a stroke or head injury that affects the vestibular system. Symptoms include dizziness or loss of balance.
THE VESTIBULAR PROGRAM
Vestibular therapy is provided by a licensed physical therapist specially trained in vestibular therapy. This program is designed to help eliminate or reduce the symptoms caused by vestibular problems.
Your therapist will evaluate you to determine:
- Positions or movements that may cause dizziness
- Balance deficits which may interfere with your ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, walking, driving or shopping
- Visual function as it relates to eye-head corrdination required for reading, driving, or walking
Your Vestibular Therapy Program May Include:
- Special maneuvers to help you reduce or end symptoms of dizziness
- Balance training
- Compensatory techniques you can use to decrease symptoms of dizziness and imbalance while performing daily activities
- Home exercises to improve function and independence
- Eye reflex exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Manual therapy to address neck problems
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please call any of our convenient HealthQuest Physical Therapy & Wellness Centers.
FREE PHYSICAL THERAPY CONSULTATIONS
Free physical therapy consultations are part of our commitment to care for our communities
one person at a time.
