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Do you ever feel like the world is spinning around you, even when you're standing still? Dizziness can be a disorienting sensation, and understanding its causes is the first step toward finding relief. Our senior physio, Daniel de Bruyn, is the only Vestibular Titled (specialised training) Physio in the Gympie region. He has had extensive experience in providing treatment for vertigo and dizziness. He has worked with a variety of presentations and has even trained other physiotherapists in treating vestibular / dizziness issues (dizziness physiotherapy).

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Let's explore the six most common culprits behind dizziness and what they entail:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) - 50% of cases:

• Explanation: BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and float into the sensitive canals responsible for balance. Changes in head position trigger brief episodes (less than 1-2 minutes) of intense spinning sensation.
• Symptoms: Sudden episodes of vertigo triggered by head movements, often when rolling over in bed or looking up.
• Treatment: Canalith repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, can help move the displaced crystals back into place and alleviate symptoms.

2. Vestibular Neuritis:

• Explanation: Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brainstem. This inflammation disrupts signals of balance and spatial orientation, leading to dizziness.
• Symptoms: Sudden onset of severe vertigo, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking.
• Treatment: Medications to manage symptoms, vestibular rehabilitation therapy to promote central compensation and lifestyle modifications.

3. Meniere's Disease:

• Explanation: Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterised by fluid buildup in the labyrinth, which houses structures responsible for balance and hearing. Fluctuations in fluid pressure can cause vertigo attacks, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a fullness feeling in the ear.
• Symptoms: Recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting 20 minutes to several hours, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.
• Treatment: Dietary changes (low-sodium diet), medications to manage symptoms, vestibular rehabilitation, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.

4. Central Dizziness / Brain Injuries:

• Explanation: Central dizziness originates from dysfunction in the central nervous system, particularly the brainstem or cerebellum. It can result from various neurological conditions, such as migraines, stroke, concussions or multiple sclerosis.
• Symptoms: Dizziness accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as double vision, slurred speech, weakness, or numbness.
• Treatment: Management of underlying neurological condition, medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

5. Headaches / Migraines:

• Explanation: Headaches, particularly migraines and tension headaches, can cause dizziness as a secondary symptom. Changes in blood flow, neurotransmitter levels, and sensory processing during a headache can disrupt balance and spatial orientation.
• Symptoms: Dizziness accompanying headache pain, often accompanied by sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and visual disturbances.
• Treatment: Managing headache triggers, medications for pain relief and symptom management, stress management techniques, and lifestyle modifications.

6. Cervicogenic Dizziness (most under-investigated):

• Explanation: Cervicogenic dizziness arises from dysfunction or irritation of the neck muscles, joints, or nerves, which can refer pain and sensory disturbances to the head and inner ear structures.
• Symptoms: Dizziness or imbalance associated with neck pain or stiffness, often triggered by head movements or sustained postures.
• Treatment: Physical therapy focused on cervical spine mobility, posture correction, manual therapy techniques, and exercises to strengthen neck muscles.

Understanding the underlying cause of dizziness is essential for effective management and treatment. If you're experiencing recurrent or persistent dizziness, it's important to consult with a vestibular professional for proper diagnosis of the cause and have the most effective treatment resolution at the clinic and your home.

Our Physiotherapist in Gympie has passed the grueling vestibular competency exams and helped hundreds of clients have no more vertigo!  Don't let the symptoms hang around when they can be gone in as little as 1-3 sessions most commonly. Treatment for dizziness and lightheadedness is an appointment away. Call today.