Vestibular Problems

Vertigo (dizziness) is a very unpleasant symptom that can occur rapidly and can affect someone's life with devastating effects. People who suffer from dizziness lose confidence as normal everyday activities exacerbate their symptoms.

Vertigo can be due to a problem with the brain (following TBI, tumor, illness etc.), because of a disturbance of our internal balance mechanisms in the inner ear or a problem with the vestibular nerve that has been damaged following a virus (vestibular neuritis).

Fluid within the ear canals detects movement of the head and feeds this information back to the brain via the vestibular nerve. Crystals (that are normally present) can move into the wrong ear canal and cause altered signals to be sent to the brain (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). This can make you feel like you are spinning when you aren't actually moving.

Firstly, neurological physiotherapy would help to identify what is causing the vertigo. Then, using a series of exercises to challenge the vestibular system the problem can start to improve. However, it is a common misconception that to bring on the dizziness is making the problem worse. Clients need to challenge their vestibular system in order to facilitate its recovery. However this needs to be in a controlled manner as it can feel quite unpleasant.

Clients often avoid moving their neck and this can result in stiffness. It is therefore very important to ensure that the individual's neck movements are preserved.

To contact us for an appointment or regarding any queries please call 07816 768456 or email info@dawnburrow-neurologicalphysiotherapyservice.co.uk