What Is Vertigo and How Is it Treated?
Vertigo is often referred to as a ‘fear of falling’, but it’s much more complicated than that in reality. It’s not a condition in and of itself. In fact, it’s a symptom of other medical issues like a disease of the inner ear, an imbalance of the central nervous system, or even something more simple like having neck issues (yes, neck problems can cause dizziness!).
This may include Meniere’s disease, a brain lesion, arteriosclerosis of cerebral vessels, motion sickness or wide swings in barometric pressure.
For the most part, vertigo is not a serious or life-threatening problem. However, it could be indicative of one of these underlying conditions, so it shouldn’t be ignored. If you experience vertigo, make sure you seek medical attention immediately.
How Do I Know if I Have Vertigo or Dizziness?
You may feel dizzy and ask yourself whether you have vertigo or dizziness. Vertigo is often confused with dizziness, but it’s not exactly the same thing. Vertigo is a particular type of dizziness which feels more like a spinning and falling sensation. It’s an atypical sense of motion which can occur when you’re moving or when you’re standing still.
Sufferers often say it feels like the floor is tilting underneath them, or like they are floating or tumbling. They need assistance to move around properly due to this imbalance. This can be an extremely frightening experience.
Vertigo is often accompanied by a feeling of nausea or vomiting. It may also cause headaches and visual symptoms. If it’s due to an imbalance of the inner ear, you may experience a ringing in your ear, called tinnitus.
How to Deal with Vertigo Symptoms
You’re likely wondering how to deal with vertigo symptoms. When you present with vertigo at a medical facility, your doctor will begin looking for an underlying condition immediately. It’s this problem that requires the treatment.
However, the symptoms of vertigo can be very distressing and also must be treated. There are a number of physiotherapy techniques which are very helpful.
There are head position maneuver techniques which can resolve the symptoms of vertigo — in particular, a method called canalith repositioning. A physiotherapist or physician will make some adjustments to your head position. This technique is extremely helpful and is usually effective within one or two appointments.
If your vertigo is caused by some kind of anxiety condition, the doctor may recommend that you seek out psychotherapy. There’s also a treatment called balance therapy, where you do exercises that bring your system back into a state of equilibrium.
How to Help Vertigo Fast
If you need to know how to help vertigo fast, there are medications your doctor can give you which can make you more comfortable. The other ear will then take over your sense of balance and functions.
In the event that your symptoms are being caused by a neck problem, the quickest way to get relief is to have that problem assessed by a physiotherapist to commence treatment as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line
Vertigo is an uncomfortable sense of tilting and spinning, which can be very distressing to deal with. It also presents the risk of grave injuries. These symptoms can make it very difficult to carry out your life. Fortunately, there are techniques and medications to help treat these symptoms and ease your discomfort.
If you’re looking for a reliable, professional physiotherapy center to treat your vertigo, contact ADM Ottawa Physiotherapy to make an appointment today! We have two locations in both Ottawa and Nepean, ON.