Vertigo
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a spinning or dizzy sensation that can occur for a number of reasons. It often accompanies nausea, imbalance and lightheadedness and occurs more commonly in those over 65 years.
The duration of a vertigo attack can vary, lasting from a couple of seconds to a few days. Common causes include problems stemming from the inner ear or central nervous system, with the most common cause being Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when crystals (otoconia) located in the ear become dislodged and collect in an unusual part of your ear. These crystals normally form part of the balance system located within your ear. However, when the crystals are dislodged, it can confuse the signals being sent to your brain, causing dizziness. While we don’t know exactly what causes the crystals to dislodge, it can occur for a number of reasons.
The following are a list of possible reasons:
- following a head injury
- inner ear disorders (e.g. labrynthitis)
- increasing age
- degeneration of the vestibular system.
Other causes may include changes in blood sugar, blood pressure, poor muscle strength and labyrinthitis (infection and inflammation of the inner ear).
When should I get treatment?
If you are finding that you can’t move easily without needing to pause for 30 seconds you should seek treatment. This may or may not include feeling nauseous and needing to vomit.
What are my treatment options?
Whilst vertigo can be a particularly annoying condition, it is important that the correct diagnosis is found and appropriate treatment is issued. Whilst your GP may prescribe medications to help with associated nausea, manual therapists such as Osteopaths may provide manual therapy, prescribe exercises and perform the Epley manoeuvre to provide significant improvements in symptoms. Typically symptoms may resolve within 1-3 sessions, it largely depends on the severity and how long you have suffered with this condition.
Find us at any of our three locations in Donvale, Templestowe and Warrandyte! Give us a call on 03 9846 2800.
Jayden’s Explanation: https://youtu.be/4dFY8N9jsmw
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160900#symptoms
https://infinityhealthandosteo.com.au/conditions/vertigo-or-dizziness/
https://eyeandear.org.au/patients-visitors/fact-sheets/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo-bppv/
