Overcoming Vertigo with In-Home Vestibular Therapy in 5 Steps

When we hear the term “vertigo,” we often picture the world spinning around us. It’s a disorienting sensation that can be triggered by various factors, from dehydration to thrilling amusement park rides or even a night of revelry without enough water.

We’ve all experienced it in some form, but what if it’s not just us? What if our family members, especially the elderly, are affected by vertigo? That’s when the concern and confusion can become even more pronounced.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the common occurrence of vertigo and the often perplexing journey individuals and their families go through when it strikes. We’ll also shed light on a potential solution that many are unaware of: vestibular therapy provided by Rebalance Physical Therapy.

The Run Around: A Familiar Frustration

When a family member, particularly an older one, experiences vertigo, it can be genuinely alarming. The initial panic often leads to a trip to the emergency room, fueled by fears of a stroke or a medical emergency.

However, more often than not, after hours of tests and drowsy-making medications, the diagnosis you’re given is simply, “You have vertigo. Consult your neurologist and ENT as soon as possible.” This waiting period can be frustrating and confusing. We’ve come to term this experience “the run around.”

The issue with this scenario is that individuals are often misinformed about how to take action when vertigo strikes.

While they wait for appointments with specialists, they are left to suffer daily from vertigo, convinced it’s a minor condition they must endure. But here’s the good news: vertigo can often be evaluated and treated rapidly through physical therapy, sometimes in a single session.

A Common Condition: The Reality of Vertigo

Vertigo is far more common than we realize. On certain days, you may wake up with the room spinning uncontrollably for a few seconds or minutes.

Many attribute this to their blood pressure medication or assume it’s a result of balance issues when getting out of bed. If you or a family member has experienced this, vestibular physical therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

As a dedicated vestibular physical therapist, I can attest that vestibular therapy is an effective approach to addressing vertigo. This form of physical therapy involves evaluating your peripheral nervous system, which includes your eyes, inner ear, and joints.

These components work in harmony to maintain your balance. When one system is compromised, the others have to compensate, often leading to the sensation of vertigo.

Understanding Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

The most common type of vertigo is known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It occurs when tiny microscopic crystals within your inner ear become dislodged, sending false signals to the brain.

These false signals result in uncontrollable eye movements, known as nystagmus, which make the room appear to spin. In reality, the room isn’t moving, but your eyes are.

Seeking Help for Vertigo

So, what should you do if you or a family member experiences vertigo? Whether you encounter the sensation of dizziness, lightheadedness, or actual spinning, seeking a vestibular therapy evaluation is an important step.

As a practicing vestibular therapist with experience in homecare, my mission is to make this process as convenient and comfortable as possible for you.

We can evaluate various systems, including your standing balance, fall risk, and leg strength. It’s essential to address vertigo promptly, as it can significantly affect balance and increase the risk of falls.

Rebalance Physical Therapy: Your Partner in Overcoming Vertigo

If you’re willing to undergo a vestibular therapy evaluation, you may wake up in a few days feeling more balanced and ready to return to your daily activities without the fear of uncontrollable spinning.

Reach out to Rebalance Physical Therapy and ask for Dr. Seth Kaufmann, PT, DPT, who will be more than happy to provide in-home vestibular therapy evaluations.

Don’t let vertigo take control of your life. Take the proactive step to address this common condition and regain your sense of balance and well-being with the help of vestibular therapy from Rebalance Physical Therapy.