VERTIGO & VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION

​Determining the correct system of vertigo treatment could be challenging. In part, this is due to the simple fact that its symptoms and triggers change in their seriousness and visibility. Knowing the proper angle from which to attack the issues of dizziness, nausea, and disorientation which are associated with vertigo entails taking time to accurately pinpoint its origin and see what other complications are associated with it.

​The very best way to learn about vertigo treatment is by consulting an expert. Frequently, the signs of vertigo are disregarded or self treated for far too long and therapy becomes a difficult take. By recognising symptoms a targeted history and vestibular exam can quickly pinpoint the problem.

"Vertigo: is a symptom where a person feels as if they or the objects around them are moving when they are not"

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the result of small calcium crystals called otoconia that inadvertently migrate to one of the three semicircular canals in the inner ear. The crystals cause a disequilibrium from left to right side and hence the Vertigo. It is not fully understood why these crystals fall away from there usual position. Many agree that the movement to the canals can be related to head trauma or rapid head movements such as whiplash or concussions.

BPPV is most common in people over 50 but can occur at any age. The research also notes that women are more often effected. As mentioned above quick head movements and or trauma is thought to be a mechanism for the onset of vertigo as a result of crystals now in the semicircular canals.

Vestibular infrared goggles are used to view and record eye movements.

(Nystagmus) 
Repetitive uncontrolled eye movements

​​​When the condition is better understood, a myriad of treatments might be administered. Once a clinician has met with a patient and spent time determining the origin and the intensity of vertigo, a number of actions might be taken. A medical provider may prescribe medication to address the nausea associated with vertigo. If a diagnosis of BPPV is determined a conservative treatment to re-position the crystals (otoconia) is the most common method. The research notes that this treatment is highly effective in treating the causes of vertigo when related to BPPV. 

Vestibular infrared goggles are used to enhance visibility of the eye movements for the practitioner. From viewing and or recording the motions a practitioner looks for a nystagmus motion of the eye. Nystagmus are repetitive uncontrolled movements of the eye.  From this the clinician can determine the side and canals effected, and then apply the appropriate treatment technique.

Vestibular rehabilitation includes the patient laying on alternating sides of their body in an effort to restore the body`s sense of balance. The purpose is to reorient the crystals out of the effected ear canal.  These treatments are continued until disorientation is resolved.  

The research notes that this treatment is highly effective in treating the causes of vertigo when related to BPPV

The above information is a general overview of BPPV and not intended for self diagnosis or treatment.  Please contact us at Healthview Therapy Centre for further information or seek a provider in your area.

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Dr. Robert Muir B.Sc, DC
Chiropractor