What Is Vertigo? How Do You Treat It?

Defining Vertigo or BBPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) and getting treatment in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

Are you experiencing symptoms like dizziness when moving your head, imbalance when walking, visual disturbance when looking around, nausea from the perception of “the room spinning” around you?

You may have vertigo or BBPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).

There are many other possible causes for these symptoms, like high or low blood pressure, low blood sugar, a viral infection of the ear (vestibular neuritis), migraines, stress, vision loss etc. However one of the most common causes that can be addressed through physiotherapy is Vertigo or BPPV, which is a shift of the little “rocks” (otoconia) found naturally in the inner ear, that helps us keep our balance.

Normally, when we move a certain way, such as when we stand up or turn our head, these little rocks move around. Sometimes these rocks move from an area in the inner ear called utricle into a neighbouring area, called the semicircular canals. When we move the head in certain ways, the rocks in the semicircular canal move as well. Sensors found in the semicircular canal are triggered by the little rocks, which causes a temporary feeling of dizziness.

We are more likely to develop BPPV when we are older. That is because parts of the inner ear start to degenerate, just like other parts of our bodies. Other possible causes of vertigo are ie. head impact, high impact physical activities, maintaining the head in the same position for extended periods of time, like holding the head down while working at the computer for hours on a daily basis.

The positive aspect of the BPPV is that it is a mechanical issue, and through some specialized exercises (Vestibular rehabilitation) we can help the loose “rocks” get back to where they belong. Once this is achieved, the symptoms should improve and, hopefully, clear out in just a few sessions. They should not return in the semicircular canals once they are back in their “home”, the utricle!

It is a good idea to come for therapy when the BPPV/Vertigo is active, as you can notice an immediate change in how you feel.

You can definitely expect a temporary increase in the symptoms for the duration of the treatment and it might be a good idea to have someone else drive you back home. Or simply make sure you are not in a hurry to leave the clinic after the treatment.

The treatments are booked one on one with the physiotherapist, for one hour.