Dizziness and Vertigo: Debilitating but Treatable
Apr 28, 2015
Have you or a loved one recently suffered from either dizziness or vertigo? If so, then you know the struggle is associated with such symptoms that are undeniable, debilitating and lasting. What you may not know is that many Physiotherapists’ have the ability and skill set to address your dizziness concerns.
How can a physical therapist help?
After you have booked an appointment, a therapist will begin with an initial history and assessment. From this information they will then be able to recommend a treatment plan or referral if red flags are present in your history. It will be important in your history to distinguish the difference between dizziness and vertigo.
Dizziness/ lightheadedness is the feeling that you are about to faint. It often goes away with lying down.
Vertigo is a sensation that your surroundings are moving outside of your body, like the world is spinning, whirling, falling, or that you are off of balance.
This important distinction will allow the therapist to better understand where your symptom is coming from and how it may be treated. Common causes of dizziness/ vertigo include but are not limited to cardiovascular issues, neurological issues, visual defects, neck associated dizziness and inner ear problems. Seeing a qualified health professional with specific training geared toward dizziness will help to differentiate between these issues. If your therapist is unable to make this differentiation in the clinic, with their series of questions and testing, they will have referral sources to make sure you get the help you need.
How successful are treatments?
In a study by Macias et al (2000), authors concluded that 98.4% of patients determined to have vertigo associated with the inner ear, were successfully treated after only 3 sessions of therapy. Although this is only one diagnosis, imagine the relief after suffering up to 20 years!!
Now what?
SPREAD THE WORD. Dizziness is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. If you have any symptoms of dizziness please contact your physical therapist. If you know anyone suffering from these symptoms please share the knowledge.
Our staff at Active Physio Works, with four convenient locations in Edmonton, St. Albert and Fort Saskatchewan will be happy to help you stop the suffering. For more information on our clinics and staff please visit our website at activephysioworks.com or call 780-458-8505 to book an appointment today.
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