Vertigo and Dizziness

Vertigo and dizziness are quite common experiences, with many people attending hospitals and health care providers looking for diagnosis and treatment.

A correct diagnosis is important, with physiotherapists being skilled in the area.  Our team can diagnose and manage most cases of vertigo, or we can refer you for further assistance if needed.

The most common cause of vertigo is a relatively simple condition, with a very complex name:  Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).  The symptoms from BPPV are very unpleasant and can be quite scary.  It commonly arises in the morning and people say they rolled over in bed, or tried to get up, and found the world spinning around them, unable to get up without help.  Normally the symptoms settle after holding a position for a minute or so, enabling you to get moving again, but as the word paroxysmal suggests, it comes back in equally severe episodes.  BPPV is quite disabling, but the cause is simple and illustrated in the picture (downloaded from www.physiopedia.com). A small particle (otoconia) floats loose in the fluid-filled canals that monitor head movement (semicircular canals in the vestibular system).  In most cases the cure is quick and simple, a manoeuvre to relocate the loose particle, with rapid relief of symptoms.

The diagnosis is also quite simple and quick.

Dizziness can also arise from your neck, this is generally less severe, but the best treatment is to manage the joint, movement, or muscle issues in your neck to settle symptoms.  Physiotherapists are the most skilful health practitioners to manage this problem.

Other causes may require specialised management.  Our team can check for any danger signals and refer you for any specialist care needed.