Vertigo is more common than most people think. Statistics report 20-30% of the population will experience at least one episode in their lifetime. Vertigo tends to be more common as one ages, and is 2-3 times more likely to occur in women than men.

Vertigo, dizziness or a sense of spinning, is the main symptom people experience with a vestibular system issue. The vestibular system is housed within the inner ear. Its role is to help monitor/control a person’s equilibrium or sense of balance. When the “balance center” is disrupted, a person often has the sense that either they or the room is spinning. Other symptoms one may experience include: nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), double or blurry vision, headaches, trouble focusing, loss of balance or falls.

In many cases the exact cause of vertigo remains unknown. Known causes of vertigo include: a blow to the head, a sinus infection or cold, and certain neurological conditions.

Although the exact cause may be tough to determine, the type of the vertigo can be determined. Knowing the type of vertigo helps to direct treatment. Physical therapists trained in vestibular dysfunction are able to perform a series of tests to help determine the most likely source of the dizziness and are often able to successfully treat this condition.

The most common type is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV for short. With BPPV, one often experiences dizziness or spinning with changing of positions such as lying down in bed, rolling in bed or getting out of bed. Other common reported triggers include: bending down to tie ones shoes or looking up for several seconds. In most cases, the sense of dizziness lasts less than 30 seconds, but its triggers are consistent. Often doctors will prescribe medication for dizziness, however it is not as helpful to fully alleviate this type of vertigo. BPPV is easily detected by a trained therapist and typically responds very well to a specific form of treatment that a trained physical therapist can perform.

Over the 8+ years I have treated patients with dizziness, many report symptoms for more than 6 months. The main reason for this is many did not know any treatment existed or their physician never recommended treatment. Many are shocked that physical therapy can be a part of the solution to their problem. Often times, patients will only need a few sessions to become symptom-free and resume activities without fear again. If you are someone who has any of these symptoms, DO NOT suffer any longer. Treatment is available to help restore your quality of life.