Do you suffer from dizziness that you can’t explain?
Do you have sudden vertigo and feel like everything is spinning?
If so, you are most likely experiencing a Vestibular problem. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy intended to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders, primarily vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls.
With over 20+ years of experience each, Dr. Asha Pumarada & Dr. James Pumarada have treated Vestibular problems as the top dizziness and vertigo specialists in Elizabeth, Jersey City, and all of northern New Jersey. As one of the few outpatient clinics combining computerized diagnostic testing along with specialized treatment techniques developed at Emory University, one of the leading institutions for Vestibular research in the USA, our patients are given real solutions to relieving dizziness and vertigo problems, along with the tools to handle any recurring symptoms in the future.
Causes and Risk Factors for Vertigo
Vertigo is the feeling of rocking or rotation when you are perfectly still. It tends to last for several hours or days. Medically, it is distinct from dizziness because it involves the sensation of movement. Vertigo is often due to a problem in the inner ear. An important part of the inner ear is the collection of semicircular canals. These structures are lined with cells that act like a gyroscope for the body and are responsible for providing feedback on our position.
There are a variety of causes for this condition. The cause may be central or peripheral. Central causes occur in the spinal cord or brain, while peripheral is due to a problem with the inner ear. An illness or small crystals in the inner ear that become displaced can cause irritation within the semicircular canals. This is a central cause and known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). With Meniere’s disease, there is a fluid buildup in the inner ear that can cause vertigo. Headaches, head injuries, strokes, tumours, and multiple sclerosis can also cause vertigo.
Head injuries definitely increase the risk factor for vertigo. In addition, antidepressants, aspirin, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure meds can also cause vertigo. For some, alcohol can cause vertigo.
Diagnosis and Treatment
On your first visit, our specialists will take a full history of your symptoms and events. This includes previous medical issues, recent illnesses, and medications. Then, a physical exam is performed. At Complete Physical Rehabilitation, our exams include computerized diagnostic testing using the Natus NeuroCom Smart Balance Master & Natus ICS Impulse Vestibular Testing systems. This provides your physical therapist with the data needed to determine the cause of symptoms. Signs of abnormal eye movement may pinpoint the problem. In addition, the Dix-Hallpike repositioning test or the roll test, utilizing rapid head movement, may be done in order to monitor symptoms.
A physician may prescribe medication, such as Meclizine, for symptom relief. However, in our experience, medication does not necessarily provide relief, nor is it a cure. In fact, many physicians are not even aware that VRT can help patients with vertigo and dizziness problems.
A physical therapist specializing in VRT can provide the best solutions for relief. The most effective treatments if the vertigo is peripheral include partial repositioning movements. It’s known as the canalith repositioning procedure or the Epley manoeuvre. Specific head movements are performed to move the crystals in the inner ear. Cawthorne head exercises may also be performed. It’s a series of head and eye movements. This leads to decreased sensitivity of the nerves and improves vertigo. However, this needs to be done on a regular basis for optimal results.
The Prognosis
Most patients with peripheral vertigo can find substantial relief with treatment; it has been suggested that the Epley maneuver in cases of BPPV can benefit as many as 90% of affected patients. Although recurrence of BPPV may be more than 15% in the first year after an episode, it is unlikely that vertigo will persist beyond a few days. When vertigo persists, evaluation for any underlying structural problems of the brain, spinal canal, or inner ear may be necessary.
Are you feeling dizzy with a sense of movement? You just might be experiencing vertigo. Make your world stop spinning with the help of our experienced and certified physical therapists. They are trained in the Cawthorne head exercises and Epley maneuver for vertigo. They can even give you instruction on how to do these exercises at home. Contact Us Today for Dizziness Relief, Jersey City & Elizabeth, NJ Centers to set up a one-on-one consultation and full evaluation of your symptoms. We’ve helped many others and can help you too.