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Understanding Vertigo: Symptoms, Myths, and Effective Treatments

Understanding Vertigo: What you need to know

What is Vertigo? 

Vertigo is not just a feeling of light-headedness; it’s a false sensation of movement or spinning. Vertigo is often related to problems in the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. The vestibular system works by sending signals to the brain about head movement and position, helping to maintain balance and orientation. When this system malfunctions, it can result in vertigo. 

Common Causes of Vertigo

Several conditions can lead to vertigo, including:  

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium particles called canaliths move into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. These particles interfere with normal fluid movement that the inner ear uses to sense head motion, leading to dizziness. 
  • Vestibular migraine: This surprisingly common condition leads to episodic dizziness and vertigo.  Like all migraines, it is treatable.  
  • Labyrinthitis: This is an infection or inflammation of the labyrinth, a part of the inner ear that helps control balance. It often results from a viral infection and can cause severe vertigo, hearing loss, and other symptoms. 
  • Vestibular Neuritis: Similar to labyrinthitis, this condition involves inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. It usually results from a viral infection and causes intense, sudden vertigo. 

Symptoms of Vertigo:

The primary symptom of vertigo is a false sensation of spinning or moving. Other symptoms can include:

  • Dizziness: A feeling of unsteadiness or light-headedness.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Often due to the intense spinning sensation.
  • Balance Issues: Difficulty standing or walking without falling.
  • Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements, often horizontal or rotary.

Symptoms can vary widely in severity and duration, depending on the underlying cause. Most of these conditions are very treatable.

Diagnosing Vertigo

Diagnosing vertigo typically involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. Most cases can be fully handled by our clinicians.  You do not need a referral from your GP first.  

Diagnostic tests can include: 

  • Positional testing: There are 6 different types of BPPV, each requiring specific repositioning maneuvers to eliminate the condition.  
  • Vestibular nystagmography: While the eyes may or may not be a window to the soul, they certainly are a useful way to diagnose the root cause of vertigo.  At O-health we have the latest diagnostic technology and use Vestibular First Infrared goggles.
  • Balance Tests: Assess the function of the vestibular system and how it communicates with the brain. 

How we can help

Vertigo is manageable with the right treatments and lifestyle changes. Understanding the causes and recognizing symptoms early can lead to better management and a better quality of life. Ways our team can help include:  

  • Hands on treatment: Techniques like the Epley maneuver are used to treat BPPV by moving the dislodged canaliths to a part of the ear where they won’t cause symptoms. Another common treatment is the Watson Headache approach. 
  • Vestibular rehabilitation: Our team can work together to develop exercise programs to help improve balance, reduce or eliminate dizziness and enhance the brain’s ability to compensate for inner ear issues.   
  • Watson Headache approach: This involves a series of manual techniques, used to address a previously unrecognised pattern of musculoskeletal misbehaviour headache, migraine, and associated conditions such as vestibular migraine. We’re fortunate to have 3 Watson Approach accredited clinicians.

Vertigo can be challenging, but most causes are treatable when accurately diagnosed. At O-health, we offer comprehensive care to help you regain your balance and improve your quality of life. If you’re experiencing vertigo, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our expert therapists. Book an appointment here or call us on 02 6021 2777. 

References: 

https://watsonheadache.com/about-watson-headache-approach/# [Accessed 19 Jul. 2024].