Vestibular rehabilitation or Vertigo Therapy is aimed directly at improving the functional relationship between the inner ear, brain, eyes, muscles and nerves through central nervous system training and alleviating mechanical problems within the inner ear causing dizziness. Therapy for vertigo or disequilibrium that persists after a vestibular injury (inner ear injury) is an essential element of fall prevention. Vestibular dysfunction can occur at any age and can often be treated.

Physical therapy is often the most effective treatment for vertigo.

 

Primary Vestibular Symptoms Include:

Dizziness, nausea, vertigo (spinning/dis-equilibrium), illusion of self-movement, imbalance/ataxia.

Secondary Vestibular Symptoms Include:

Headache, neck pain and stiffness, motion sickness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, anxiety, depression

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):

BPPV is the most common type of true vertigo. Symptoms include severe spinning sensation lasting less than one minute. Vertigo is provoked by positional change such as turning in bed, bending over or reaching for a top shelf.

Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis:

The second most common type of vertigo is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, commonly caused by a bacteria or virus. Acute symptoms include 2-3 days of vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and imbalance; sub-acute symptoms include gaze instability, imbalance, and vague dizziness.

Other Diagnoses Prescribed:

Motion sensitivity, age related dizziness and imbalance, cervicogenic dizziness, and migraine-associated vertigo.

 

know-facts

It is estimated that 12.5 million Americans over age 65 have dizziness and balance problems

Studies show that 50% of falls seen in the elderly are the result of vestibular problems.

Dizziness is the #1 reason for hospital visits for those over the age of 65.

The cause of dizziness is related to vestibular issues 50-80% of the time; 10% due to cardiac issues; 10% due to neurogenic; others often diabetes related.

“I was having episodes of vertigo that would be on and off. After the third time I went to PT. What a blessing Stacy and Jessica were. I didn’t realize the symptoms were there, I was just adapting to them. The dizziness has gone now. Thank you Community Sports & Therapy Center!"

~ Ginny Fortkamp

"I had dizziness for a month. I went to my family doctor and he sent me to PT. I couldn’t imagine what they could do, but they stopped the dizziness in two sessions. I am very pleased with what they did for me. I thank them very much!"

~ Linda H.

"Stacy did a fantastic job diagnosing and treating my vertigo. She was very knowledgeable, professional & kind. She explained what she was doing & why. I was very impressed with her abilities and efficiency. Thank you!"

~ Jan H.