Vertigo is a type of dizziness which can cause sensations of spinning, tilting, swaying and disorientation. Often it is a problem with the inner ear which causes vertigo due to the messages becoming distorted from the balance control areas.

Vertigo can be caused by several inner ear problems. Some of the most common conditions which affect the inner ear include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, cervical dizziness, inflammation, migraines, low blood pressure, anxiety and hypoglycemia.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurs when there is a build up of small calcium particles in the inner ear. This can affect the messages which are sent from the inner ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo. Another common cause of vertigo is cervical dizziness. This is due to upper neck stiffness.

Another cause of vertigo is vestibular neuritis. This happens due to inflammation in the inner ear, or inflammation of the nerves which connect the inner ear to the brain. Vestibular neuritis is usually caused by a viral infection and causes dizziness and balance problems and sometimes visual disturbance.

The Inner Ear

The inner ear is a series of canals filled with fluid. During movement this fluid also moves which sends signals to the brain, allowing it to understand the speed, direction and angle of movement. The brain is then able to adjust the eyes to maintain a clear and steady vision of the surroundings. When there are problems with the inner ear this process becomes distorted resulting in symptoms of vertigo and dizziness. The majority of the time these issues are treatable.

There are many other symptoms associated with vertigo other than dizziness. Some of these symptoms include:

● Spinning or swaying sensations

● Unsteadiness

● Loss of balance

● Nausea

● Vomiting

● Vision problems

● Headaches

● Ringing in the ears

● Fatigue

● Sweating

Vertigo Treatment

Physio for vestibular neuritis is a form of treatment which aims to train the central nervous system to compensate for problems in the inner ear which are causing symptoms. This is an exercise-based treatment which helps to improve the patient's balance while reducing associated symptoms.

Vertigo physiotherapy Perth involves an assessment before beginning a treatment plan. This can involve the physio observing the patient’s balance, gait and posture. An assessment also includes tests such as flexibility, strength, neck mobility, hand-eye coordination and positional testing.

Physio for vertigo is an effective treatment which includes head, eye and body exercises to retrain the brain in recognising and processing signals from the inner ear. This helps to improve symptoms as well as coordination with the other sensory systems. Symptoms often improve over time when the exercises are performed consistently under supervision. Vertigo physiotherapy Perth helps to improve the patient’s ability to get back to everyday activities and improve their quality of life.

Vertigo can cause many symptoms besides dizziness which can interfere with daily life. Physio for vertigo is an effective treatment option which helps to retrain the brain to recognise and process signals from the inner ear correctly. This can help to reduce symptoms and prevent other complications associated with vertigo.