What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the symptom of a number of different disorders where a person feels dizziness, spinning, feeling giddy and/or unsteady.

One of the most common types of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a common condition in which people experience severe and sudden bouts of dizziness. Crystals get dislodged in the semicircular canals of the inner ear and cause BPPV to occur when the head is moved. BPPV usually occurs in one, or sometimes two, ears.

Causes

It unknown why BPPV happens, although it may be related to a head injury or dehydration. BPPV is episodic and can come and go over weeks or years. It doesn’t usually resolve on its own.

There are a number of different conditions that can result in vertigo and dizziness. Your physio will get you to fill out a questionnaire, ask you a number of questions and perform a series of tests in order to diagnose your condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Classic symptoms include dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting and issues with balance.

Treatment

Your physio will perform a technique to move the ear crystals out of the area that is stimulating the feelings of vertigo or dizziness. This technique can be extremely effective and you could feel relief after one session.

You will also be given exercises to perform at home to help the crystals stay where they should be. Further to this, you may be given exercises to improve your balance and gaze stabilisation or habituation (eye movements).