Does the room sometimes feel like it is spinning when you turn your head, get out of bed, or look up? Vertigo can make everyday activities difficult and affect your balance, confidence, and quality of life.
At Renew Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, vestibular rehabilitation can be explored as part of an individualized approach to balance and movement problems.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning when they are not. It is a symptom rather than a condition itself.
Vertigo is often associated with problems affecting the inner ear and balance system. However, other conditions can also cause dizziness, so identifying the underlying cause is important.
Common causes include:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Brief spinning sensations triggered by specific head movements.
Vestibular neuritis: A condition affecting the vestibular nerve that can cause prolonged dizziness.
Labyrinthitis: An inner-ear condition that may cause vertigo and sometimes hearing symptoms.
Vestibular migraine: A migraine-related condition that can cause dizziness or vertigo.
Common Symptoms of Vertigo
Symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
You may experience:
A spinning sensation
Dizziness when moving your head
Difficulty maintaining balance
Nausea or vomiting
Unsteadiness while walking
Discomfort when turning in bed
Difficulty focusing your eyes during movement
If dizziness keeps returning or interferes with your daily activities, seek an appropriate medical assessment rather than assuming it is caused by an inner-ear problem.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo can develop for several reasons. Some episodes occur when tiny calcium crystals inside the inner ear move into the wrong position, causing BPPV. Other cases may be associated with vestibular nerve problems, migraine, or different medical conditions.
The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis. Therefore, an assessment should establish the likely cause before a rehabilitation program begins.
Can Physiotherapy Help Vertigo?
Yes, physiotherapy can help with certain causes of vertigo and associated balance problems.
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
Balance training
Gaze-stabilization exercises
Controlled head and eye movements
Walking and coordination exercises
Functional movement training
Education about managing symptoms safely
For BPPV, specific repositioning manoeuvres may be appropriate. These are different from general vestibular rehabilitation exercises and should be selected according to the diagnosis.
What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a personalized program for people experiencing certain dizziness, balance, or inner-ear-related problems.
Your therapist may assess your balance, walking, eye movements, head movement tolerance, and functional limitations before recommending exercises.
The program may focus on:
1. Balance Training
Exercises can help improve stability during standing, walking, and everyday movements.
2. Gaze-Stabilization Exercises
These exercises may help improve visual stability during head movement for people with particular vestibular conditions.
3. Movement and Coordination
Gradual, supervised movement exercises may help you manage symptoms during daily activities.
4. Functional Rehabilitation
Exercises can be tailored to tasks such as walking, turning, changing positions, and moving around your home safely.
Not every exercise is suitable for every type of vertigo. Your program should be based on your assessment and medical needs.
What Can You Do During a Vertigo Episode?
If you suddenly feel dizzy or experience a spinning sensation:
Sit or lie down somewhere safe.
Move your head slowly and carefully.
Get up gradually when the sensation settles.
Avoid driving, climbing ladders, or operating machinery while dizzy.
Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or repeatedly return.
Do not attempt unfamiliar head-positioning manoeuvres without appropriate guidance, particularly if you have neck problems or an uncertain diagnosis.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Arrange a medical assessment if vertigo is persistent, keeps returning, or affects your daily activities.
Vertigo Treatment in Surrey at Renew Physiotherapy
Living with dizziness can make walking, working, exercising, and everyday activities feel less manageable.
At Renew Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, an individualized rehabilitation approach may help address balance and movement limitations when physiotherapy is appropriate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy cure vertigo?
It depends on the cause. Physiotherapy can help manage certain vestibular conditions and improve balance, but not every cause of vertigo responds to the same treatment.
Is vertigo the same as dizziness?
No. Dizziness is a broad term that can describe lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a spinning sensation. Vertigo specifically refers to the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving.
How long does vertigo last?
Some episodes last seconds, while others can continue for hours or longer. Duration depends on the underlying cause. Persistent or recurring symptoms should be assessed.
Can vestibular rehabilitation improve balance?
Yes. Vestibular rehabilitation may improve balance, gaze stability, and movement tolerance in people with appropriate vestibular conditions. Results vary depending on the diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Should I exercise when I have vertigo?
The appropriate activity depends on the cause and severity. Avoid activities that put you at risk of falling, and consult a healthcare professional before starting a vestibular exercise program.
Conclusion
Vertigo can affect your balance, mobility, and confidence, but the right assessment can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.