DIZZINESS AND VERTIBULAR DISORDERS

Cayley Physiotherapy will provide:

• A thorough assessment to determine the cause of your dizziness

• Specific treatment techniques for BPPV (vertigo) such as the Epley manoeuvre

• Exercises to improve standing balance, posture and walking

• Eye and head movement exercises

• Education and advice to improve confidence and function

What are Vestibular Disorders?

Most people generally experience some form of ‘normal’ dizziness

and spacial disorientation at some point in their lives, but this may

only last for a few seconds e.g. standing up from a lying down position

too quickly.  However, if you have having frequent and intensive episodes

of vertigo or dizziness that last more than a few seconds, to days on end,

then this could be a sign of a problem with the inner ear (vestibular) which

control balance and eye movements.      

What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

The most common type of vestibular disorder is BPPV, whereby symptoms including dizziness, occurs suddenly with a change of head position but settles quickly when the head is at rest. BPPV occurs when small calcium carbonate crystals that naturally occur in the inner ear become dislodged and collect in the semi circular canal in the inner ear.  The body cannot process the incoming visual or proprioceptive information on balance and posture and these signals are sent to the balance systems.  This can produce spinning sensations, vertigo and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), which can last up to two minutes at a time.

How Can Physiotherapy Help with BPPV?

Physiotherapy manoeuvres, such as the Epley manoeuvre, can be used to reposition the crystals back to their usual location, which will in turn stop the abnormal impulses to the brain and therefore dizziness symptoms. 

To book an appointment contact Cayley Physiotherapy today.