Question 1

How do you treat vertigo and dizziness?

Accepted Answer

Thankfully, however long you have had vertigo and dizziness there is usually significant improvements to be made with vestibular rehabilitation. The key is getting a good and thorough initial assessment to see where your issues lie and the having a tailored treatment plan - often assessments for dizziness are too quick and not thorough enough. Techniques may include re-positioning exercises for BPPV (greater accuracy of assessment is to use infrared video Frenzel goggles) or vestibular-occular exercises. As the program progresses it is very important to tailor the exercises to your issues and means exercises can become a little more creative and not from a textbook or off the web - that's how we get the best results, stop the 'spinning' and get you back to living a full life!

Question 2

What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?

Accepted Answer

Vertigo is when the world is moving in front of your eyes, generally rotating, even though you are still.
Dizziness can range from feeling light-headed, faint, unsteady, being constantly on a boat or many other symptoms, but generally does not include the sensation of the world moving in front of your eyes like vertigo.
However, it is common for people to suffer from dizziness and vertigo at the same time. 
Symptoms can be very difficult to explain and make sense of, so don’t worry about trying to classify your symptoms. Thankfully, in most cases, both can be treated so don't worry whether you call it vertigo or dizziness, well help to get you living a balanced life again!

Question 3

How long does vertigo and dizziness last?

Accepted Answer

This all depends on the cause and whether someone has had the correct treatment and management.
Some vertigo issues can be treated in one session while some dizziness issues can persist for months, years or always be present to some level. 
Thankfully, the research shows that getting the correct assessment, treatment and help can significantly reduce the length and severity of symptoms and in many cases get rid of them all together. Get in touch to see how we can help.

Question 4

Why am I dizzy?

Accepted Answer

The balance system in simple terms is made up of three components:

- Vision – the eyes take cues from everything we see to make sense of whether we are balanced or not

- Proprioception - signals from muscles and joints help us know where our body is positioned in space

- Vestibular systems – the systems in our inner ears have two major functions, detecting gravity and linear motion (utricle and saccule) and any rotational movement (3 semi-circular canals)

The information from the eyes, muscles and joints and vestibular systems is sent to the brain stem and brain. It is processed and signals are sent to the eyes and muscles to allow them to move accordingly to keep us balanced. This process happens extremely quickly, especially with eye reflexes - which bypass the brain.

The complexity of the balance system means that all the components need to be working in sync and if one component is impaired then dizziness, vertigo, disequilibrium and being unbalanced can occur.

There are any other medical causes of dizziness - if you're unsure who to talk to get in touch for a chat and we'll guide you as to how to get the help you need.

Question 5

What is BPPV?

Accepted Answer

Benign Paroxysmal Position Vertigo (BPPV) is a common problem where we believe some of the ear crystals (otoconia) become loose and find their way into one of the semi-circular canals. Here they disrupt the signals to the brain by sending the signal that movement is occurring, although you are stationary.
This results in nystagmus (rapid eye movements) which is very disorientating and unpleasant, potentially leading to vomiting, unsteadiness, staying still and being bed ridden. However, this nystagmus is very useful in allowing professionals to detect the location of the crystals and then how to treat it.
Although all three of the canals may be affected, the posterior is most common, followed by the horizontal, with the anterior canal being rarely affected.
The best way to detect a BPPV and the canal which is affected is by using infrared video Frenzel goggles to record your eye movements while you are unable to fixate and affect the results. 
Once the correct canal has been found, re-positioning movements can be performed to treat the condition successfully with over 90% of cases said to be resolved after three treatments, with many responding positively to just one treatment.
However, as with many vestibular issues, there can be other underlying issues which may also need to be addressed.

Is dizziness or vertigo stopping you from living a full and normal life?

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Struggling with Dizziness or Vertigo?

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If you prefer, send us an e-mail at info@dizzinesstherapy.co.uk or call 07401 842311.

Did you know?

How we can help

Full assessment

Treatment

Each treatment programme is tailored to your specific circumstances and goals and may include:

Positive outcomes

- Regain your independence

- Return to your hobbies and sports

- Gain an understanding of what is happening

- Take back control of your life and condition

- Able to get out and socialise

- Live a 'balanced' life!

Why choose us

The Dizziness, Balance & Concussion Centre is a specialist clinic run by an experienced therapist who will give you the time and expertise you need to get better.

With our central location, close to train and bus routes, and plenty of parking in the area we can cater for all needs and help you recover as quickly as possible.

Flexible appointment times and comfortable clinic, we make your recovery as easy as possible by understanding the difficulties vertigo and dizziness present.

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