Vertigo is described as a sense of motion which makes the room feel as though it is spinning. Vertigo is a symptom caused by many different conditions, but most commonly BPPV.
The vestibular system has three semicircular canals filled with fluid that detect head movement and then send messages to the brain about the orientation of your body to keep you balanced.
In BPPV small crystals, which are usually held in a different part of the inner ear, dislodge and fall into one of the canals. These crystals change the fluid movement in the affected canal and therefore the brain receives confused information about the movement of the head. These false messages create a feeling of vertigo.
Your dizziness physio in Melbourne will conduct a series of tests to diagnose the condition.
In almost every case of BPPV, the condition is triggered due to a change in the position of your head. These symptoms can be observed both when you are standing up or lying down. Positions that provoke vertigo may include:
- Turning over in bed
- Bending down
- Turning head
- Looking up
- Standing up from a sitting position
- Feeling off balance while walking
While people of all ages can be affected by BPPV, it is more commonly seen in adults above 50 years. BPPV is also known to affect children in rare cases. BPPV is among the most common disorders of the inner ear wherein approximately 20% of people complaining of dizziness are eventually diagnosed with BPPV.
A BPPV diagnosis can be made after taking a detailed medical history and conduction a thorough physical assessment. A jerking movement of the eyes (nystagmus) along with vertigo, is a clear indicator of BPPV. The test, termed the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, effectively helps diagnose the possibility of BPPV.
During the assessment, your physiotherapist will assist you to move into different positions while moving your head in a certain way. These movements are known to bring out symptoms of vertigo, helping your vertigo physio in Melbourne to make an accurate diagnosis.
BPPV is treated with a series of manoeuvres involving head turning and positioning the body to hold the head in very specific postures. The aim of treatment is to move the crystals out of the canals to be resorbed by the body.
While many people will have resolution of their symptoms after only one treatment, it is very common to require several treatments or to have a recurrence of your symptoms at a later date. Your dizziness physio in Melbourne will therefore provide you with some exercises to do at home to manage any future symptoms. It is also common for you to feel a little more vertigo on the day you have been treated.
There is no need to change your usual routine, therefore resume your normal activity and exercise regime when your symptoms allow you to.
If left untreated, the symptoms of BPPV may take several weeks to dissipate.
Other conditions can cause vertigo. It is important to see your doctor for an assessment if you have other symptoms which could include; ringing ears, infections, double vision, weakness, numbness, speech/swallowing difficulties, and/or severe headache.
If you have noticed these symptoms or have had issues of the inner ear that have not seen improvement, a visit to our clinic can help us assess and diagnose your condition. This will determine the correct method of treatment to proceed with in your case. Our team at Hartwell Physio will ensure a complete recovery from the condition, with strategies to reduce symptoms in the future.
