Physical therapy, often known as physiotherapy, may be a useful treatment choice for patients who suffer from vertigo. Vertigo is a condition in which a person feels as if they are spinning or that their surroundings are whirling around them. A range of circumstances, including inner ear abnormalities, head traumas, and certain medical illnesses, might contribute to it. Physio for vertigo often focuses on activities that may help retrain the brain to more appropriately receive signals from the inner ear. This may assist in relieving vertigo symptoms and enhance balance and stability.
Other approaches used by physio Como therapists to alleviate vertigo symptoms include manual therapy, balance training, and gait training. They may also educate patients on topics like avoiding triggers, having a good diet and lifestyle, and getting adequate rest to help lower the chance of vertigo bouts.
What Causes Vertigo?
Frequently, an inner ear problem causes this condition. However, there are several specific causes of vertigo, including:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Small crystals in the inner ear get dislodged and float into the semicircular canals, causing this. This may cause the brain to receive erroneous information regarding the location of the head, resulting in dizziness.
2. Meniere’s Disease
This is an inner ear condition that may cause symptoms, such as vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the inner ear causes it.
3. Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
These are viral infections of the inner ear and the nerve that links it to the brain. They may inflame and injure the inner ear, resulting in vertigo.
4. Medications
Certain drugs, such as those used to treat high blood pressure and migraines, might have a side effect of vertigo.
5. Medical Conditions
Vertigo may also be caused by medical illnesses, such as a stroke, a head injury, or a brain tumour.
6. Migraine-associated Vertigo (MAV)
Vertigo is a migraine symptom known as MAV. Other symptoms of this form of vertigo include headache, nausea, and light sensitivity.
How May Vertigo Be Managed?
Vertigo can be a debilitating condition, but there are several ways to manage it and reduce its impact on daily life:
● Medications
Medication may be used to assist in relieving symptoms of vertigo depending on the underlying reason. Antihistamines, for example, may be used to treat vertigo caused by inner ear problems such as Meniere’s disease, while anti-anxiety drugs can help lessen symptoms of dizziness and nausea.
● Physical therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises may assist in retraining the brain to absorb information from the inner ear more properly, reduce vertigo symptoms, and enhance balance and stability.
● Lifestyle changes
Simple adjustments to your daily routine may help minimise the frequency and severity of vertigo spells. This involves avoiding triggers like alcohol, caffeine, and some drugs, as well as keeping a good diet and lifestyle and getting enough sleep.
● Surgery
Surgery may be indicated as a therapy option for vertigo in rare situations. In situations of Meniere’s disease, for example, a treatment known as a labyrinthectomy may be utilised to remove the damaged region of the inner ear.
● Avoiding strenuous head and neck movements
Avoiding postures or motions that might cause a vertigo attack can assist in lessening the frequency and severity of bouts.
● Home Remedies
Simple home treatments for vertigo include putting a cold compress to the forehead, taking deep breaths, and shutting your eyes.
Furthermore, vertigo may cause great discomfort, and its symptoms may be alarming. Although this condition is not often serious, it may still be connected to undiagnosed serious conditions. So, if your symptoms do not go away and if they are interfering with your day-to-day activities, make sure to visit your physician.
Is Vertigo Treatable with Physiotherapy?
Physical therapy, often known as physiotherapy, may be a useful treatment choice for vertigo patients. Physical therapy for vertigo often focuses on activities that may help retrain the brain to more appropriately receive signals from the inner ear. This may assist in relieving vertigo symptoms and enhance balance and stability.
It is crucial to remember, however, that although physical therapy may help with vertigo symptoms, it may not be able to heal the underlying problem that is producing vertigo. Physical therapy may assist in controlling symptoms in situations when the underlying cause of vertigo is a medical illness, such as Meniere’s disease, although the underlying issue may continue.
Conclusion
Physio for vertigo often focuses on vestibular rehabilitation exercises, which are aimed at enhancing the function of the inner ear and the connections between the inner ear and the brain. Manual therapy, balance training, and gait training are among more approaches that may be utilised to assist in controlling vertigo symptoms.
However, it is crucial to remember that, although physical therapy may help with vertigo symptoms, it cannot heal the underlying problem that is producing the vertigo. Physical therapy, on the other hand, may assist to improve balance, decrease the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes, and enhance overall quality of life.
