Dizziness

Dizziness or vertigo can be an incredibly debilitating condition. Our Physiotherapists at Capital Clinic Physiotherapy have undergone special training in the assessment and management of dizziness.

Dizziness (also known as vertigo) is described as a ‘world-spinning’ unsteadiness like that of being on a small boat in rough seas. There are many potential causes of vertigo, yet most often the source of the problem is related to the vestibular system (inner ear). In 20-40% of cases of vertigo, the underlying cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) which becomes more common as people get older.
Our physiotherapists at Capital Clinic Physiotherapy have undergone advanced training in the assessment and management of dizziness.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of BPPV are relatively easily identified, and are found in the patient history.

Vertigo usually occurs when changing position – typically moving in bed, bending forwards, or turning the head
The vertigo should subside after 30-60 seconds of being in the new position
There is often a history of head trauma such as concussion in young people with BPPV, yet in 50-70% of cases there is no apparent cause

Importantly, BPPV should never occur with weakness, pins and needles, visual changes (e.g. partial blindness), or trouble speaking or swallowing. If you have any of these symptoms, go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital or call an ambulance as you may have a ‘central’ (brain) cause of vertigo.

Other symptoms

Other common vestibular conditions which are screened for during the history and physical examination include:

Vestibular Neuritis – Inflammation of the nerve which supplies the organs of the inner ear and which may be related to a period of viral infection. In this case, the symptoms will not subside like BPPV
Meniere’s Disease – This is usually related to repeated inner ear infections, and will typically result in fluctuating hearing loss

Can dizziness arise from neck pain?

Aside from vestibular conditions, another common cause of dizziness is neck pain or dysfunction. This is referred to as Cervicogenic Dizziness which literally means the genesis is in the cervical spine (the neck).

Symptoms of Cervicogenic Dizziness can be similar to those of vestibular vertigo, however they may differ slightly to include:

Neck pain
A general sense of disequilibrium like light-headedness
Increased dizziness with prolonged head positions

Treatment

In the case of BPPV, treatment is quick and easy with complete resolution expected within 2-3 treatments over the period of a week
Other causes may require vestibular rehabilitation (re-training of the vestibular system or the neck). This may take weeks or months depending on the severity of the condition but outcomes are very good.

Treatment of Cervicogenic Dizziness requires examination of the neck and surrounding muscles to identify the underlying cause. Often manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to improve cervical spine function will lead to an early improvement in symptoms. If symptoms persist a program of specific exercises to improve sensori-motor control or ‘proprioception’ of the cervical spine may be required. All our Physiotherapists have undergone specific training in the management of Cervicogenic Dizziness.

Book an appointment

Appointments are available in our two Canberra City locations. Call or book online.

Bookings can also be made with our physiotherapists in Deakin by calling ACT Pain Centre.

Call City Centre Book City Centre

Call City West Book City West

World Spinning Vertigo

James Miller | April 4, 2017