Feeling Dizzy? It Could Be Your Vestibular System

Dizziness is a surprisingly common ailment that can significantly disrupt daily life. It can impair your ability to think clearly, increase your risk of falls and injuries, lead to nausea, and be so unpleasant that it stops you in your tracks. While there are many potential causes of dizziness, one often overlooked culprit is the vestibular system.

Understanding the Vestibular System

The vestibular system acts as your body's internal gyroscope, helping you maintain balance, coordinate movement, and understand your position in space. This small but important organ is located deep within the inner ear, beside the cochlea (responsible for hearing). It consists of three fluid-filled loops, positioned at 90° angles to each other, which together detect head rotation in all directions. Another part of the vestibular organ detects up-down and side-to-side motion.

Interestingly, we actually rely on three systems working together to maintain balance: our vision (peripheral vision is particularly important), our somatosensory system (pressure sensors throughout our body, concentrated in the neck and feet), and our vestibular system. When one or more of these systems malfunction or their communication within the brain is disrupted, dizziness and balance issues may arise.

Common symptoms of a vestibular disorder include:

• Movement illusion (Vertigo)
• Lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Vision changes
• Neck pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea

Causes of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular problems can stem from various factors, including:

• Inner ear infections
• Head injuries, such as a concussion
• Medications
• Migraines
• Aging and overall health
• In rare cases, neurological conditions

How Vestibular Physiotherapy Can Help

Vestibular Physiotherapy is a targeted form of rehabilitation that focuses on identifying and treating balance and dizziness disorders. During your appointment, a Physiotherapist may:

• Listen carefully to your experiences and story, gathering clues to narrow down the potential causes of your symptoms.
• Assess your balance, your eyes, neck mobility, and other contributing factors.
• Identify the most likely cause of your dizziness.
• Create an individualized plan of care tailored to your specific needs.
• Retest your balance and symptom severity to confirm the expected recovery
• Help make referrals to medical colleagues if necessary, as these conditions often require a multidisciplinary approach.

Treatment methods, depending on the underlying cause, may include:

• Canalith (crystal) repositioning maneuvers; the Epley maneuver is the most common example of this.
• Adaptation, sensory reweighting, and integration exercises to "rewire" your brain and the nervous system
• Injury prevention and symptom management strategies tailored to you.
• Helpful education on your condition, such as timelines and what to expect during your recovery.

A Word of Caution: While online resources can be helpful, it's very important to seek professional guidance before attempting any vestibular exercises or treatments found on the internet. Using inappropriate techniques can be ineffective or even worsen your symptoms. A Physiotherapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation can help guide you on the most appropriate treatment options.

Get Started with Vestibular Rehabilitation at Versa Movement Collective

Don't let dizziness control your life. Vestibular Physiotherapy offers a path to improving your balance, reducing those unwelcome symptoms, and reclaiming your quality of life. Many people find relief from their dizziness in just a few treatment sessions for certain conditions, though research suggests that seeking treatment sooner rather than later often leads to better overall outcomes.

If you suspect you have dizziness or a vestibular problem, taking timely action is key to achieving the best possible improvement. At Versa Movement Collective, our dedicated team of Physiotherapists is committed to helping you reach your goals through personalized and compassionate care.

Contact Versa Movement Collective today to schedule an assessment and learn more about how our vestibular Physiotherapy services can support you. Call us at (403) 727-0802 or visit our website to discover the difference our care can make.