Dizziness, Vertigo, and Imbalance Symptoms

Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in doctors’ offices. Statistics reported by The National Institute of Health indicate that dizziness will occur in 90 million of the nation’s population at some time in their lives. Dizziness is the #1 complaint for individuals over age 70. Although very common, acute or chronic problems with equilibrium may limit a person’s everyday living.

Equilibrium disorders fall into two categories:
Dizziness, vertigo or motion intolerance: Acute or sharp attacks may last only seconds or sometimes for several hours. This condition may be caused or worsened by rapid head movements, turning too quickly, walking or riding.

Persistent sense of imbalance, unsteadiness or what some people refer to as loss of surefootedness. This may lead to a high risk of falling which can result in fractures or head trauma.

The good news is that diagnosis and treatment options have become more effective over the past 10 years. According to Johns Hopkins, 85% of all forms of dizziness and imbalance can be helped once a proper diagnosis is made. There is hope for many who once thought there might be no relief.

Dizziness, Vertigo, and Imbalance – Causes

The type of symptoms, whether it is dizziness, vertigo or imbalance, often helps determine the type of problem you have.

Vertigo

Vertigo usually results from a problem with the nerves and the structures of the balance mechanism in your inner ear (vestibular system), which sense movement and changes in your head position. Sitting up or moving around may make it worse. Sometimes vertigo is severe enough to cause nausea, vomiting and imbalance.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Inflammation in the inner ear

Meniere’s disease

Migrainous vertigo

Acoustic neuroma

Types of therapy

There are 4 general categories of therapy.  More than one of these may be indicated to make the patient better as quickly as possible.

Self Directed Exercises

Home based therapy which the patient does on his own. Each program is individually and especially designed for the patient based on test results and the situations which bring on symptoms. This approach is most commonly used with patients that do not require supervision during exercise.  Best results occur when the patient spends 20-30 minutes per session two to three times a day.  Most patients report a significant reduction in their symptoms within a two to four week time span.

Balance Retraining

For patients who have a loss of balance, unsteadiness or loss of surefootedness.  Most of these patients do not report dizziness or motion intolerance.  We emphasize practical solutions to the common problems of difficulty getting around in the dark, walking on uneven surfaces and moving unencumbered on ramps or stairs.  Fall prevention, movement coordination, and improved participation in everyday activities are all high priorities of the program.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Designed for the patients whose symptoms may be severe and who requires supervision during exercise.  Therapy sessions include the use of vestibular therapy equipment which most people enjoy.  For older patients, there is an emphasis on fall prevention.  

Canalith Repositioning/Liberatory Maneuver

Designed for an inner ear condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition occurs when the salt-like crystals in the inner ear called otoconia become dislodged and float within the canals of the vestibular system. 

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