Vertigo is a type of dizziness where you feel moving or spinning sensation of yourself or the surrounding environment. It can be caused by the problems in the brain (central vestibular disorder) or the dysfunction of the balance organs of the inner ear (peripheral vestibular disorder).
There are multiple causes of vertigo and vestibular loss. The most common form of vertigo is the Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a condition resulting from loose debris (otoconia) that collect within a part of the inner ear which can be caused by a head injury or due to the natural process of aging. Your symptoms may be triggered by sudden movements of your head, such as looking down or even turning in bed. Fortunately, BPPV can be successfully treated by canalith repositioning treatment (CRT)
In the case of unilateral vestibular loss, it means that one of the two vestibular nerves is not functioning properly. Herdman et al (2013), has shown that vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) can be effective in improving symptoms related to vestibular disorders. Gaze stabilization exercises are used to improve the control of eye movements. Habituation exercises can also be implemented to promote compensation to reduce symptoms of dizziness.
Living with a vestibular dysfunction is very frustrating to say the least. There are cognitive and psychosocial aspects as well. Difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, depression, anxiety, and loss of self-reliance are just a few impacted by vestibular dysfunction.
If you have questions about vertigo, please contact me at our Woodinville location (425) 402-9772 or via email firstname.lastname@example.org.