Dizziness vs. Vertigo
How often have you heard somebody say, “I feel dizzy,” “I am about to fall,” or something similar? In one form or another, each of us has also felt it, which tells us that this condition is quite common.
Dizziness and vertigo are sometimes confused, though there are some subtle differences between the two. Generally, people describe dizziness as feeling lightheaded or off-balance. In comparison, vertigo is a sensation of spinning, regardless if one is sitting still or not.
Why Do You Have These Conditions
Vertigo is usually caused by an imbalance in the inner ear, resulting in messages to the brain being blocked, ultimately affecting movement. Vertigo can have different causes, ranging from fluid build-up in your ears (Meniere’s disease) to migraines or a stroke.
Symptoms vary but can include sweating, abnormal eye movements, nausea, difficulty focusing, etc.
Furthermore, inner ear (vestibular) issues are the suspected source of dizziness in half of all cases, which can be made worse by quick movement.
Besides that, head or neck problems, psychological issues, or a concussion could cause dizziness. In some cases, things like neck issues, Meniere’s disease, or reduced blood flow to the brain might be the cause. Other causes of dizziness are lack of sleep, bad nutrition, or even something as simple as standing up too quickly.
Symptoms may include tunnel vision, fainting, or losing balance.
Treatment of Dizziness and Vertigo
If you have symptoms of the disorders under consideration, South Barrie Health Group can help. Various treatments are available, such as medication, physical therapy, and psychological intervention, which can help reduce the symptoms and eliminate the cause.
Physical therapy is a great option for people seeking treatment for their dizziness or vertigo. South Barrie Health Group is successful in helping our patients with this.
During the free consultation, our physiotherapist will inspect the inner ear with positional testing and can determine if vertigo is present. To manage this condition, you can do maneuvers and exercises at home – all for the patient’s convenience:
- habituation exercises (make your brain accustomed and less perceptible to this feeling),
- eye-head coordination exercises,
- balance exercises, and others.
These require regular practice to speed up the treatment. If you can’t make it into the clinic for treatment, you can also do some at-home exercises recommended by your physiotherapist to help with your condition.
What Can You Do to Treat Vertigo and Dizziness?
Keeping as active as possible is essential, but you should also consider your limits. If dizziness or vertigo persists for 30 minutes after activity, it’s best to reduce the intensity the next time. With the proper treatment, be it professional or self-directed, you can enjoy a better quality of life free from the symptoms of dizziness and vertigo. Get in touch with us to discuss your needs and start feeling better today.
Any Questions Left?
So, if you’re consistently feeling dizzy or experiencing vertigo, it is worth looking for professional help from an experienced physiotherapist. With South Barrie Health Group, you can not just try but really improve your quality of life.
