Have you noticed you are not as steady as you used to be?
If you’ve been feeling dizzy, or you think you may have some of the symptoms of vertigo, call FYZICAL today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists.
What is causing your dizziness and/or vertigo? Dizziness is a general term used to describe a sense of unsteadiness that may be due to a lack of sleep, poor nutrition, overexertion, or a physical ailment (i.e., a head cold or the flu). Dizziness can also occur from something as simple as standing up too quickly after an extended period of rest. Some accompanying symptoms to dizziness may include:
- Loss of balance
- Lightheadedness or heavy-headedness
- Momentarily impaired vision
- Feeling unsteady or faint
Vertigo is the result of an issue in your inner ear, also known as the vestibular system.
Your vestibular system helps you maintain your balance and center of gravity by sending messages to your brain regarding your movement. When the vestibular system is impaired, the messages to your brain are altered, and your movement becomes affected.
You may feel as if the world is spinning around you, you can’t focus your vision for prolonged periods, or you can’t stand/ move appropriately without feeling like you’ll topple over. Some common causes of vertigo include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
This is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when the tiny calcium crystals located in your ears break apart and move around to different parts of the ear that they are not supposed to be in.
Meniere’s Disease
This occurs when fluid builds up in your ear(s). This typically includes ringing sounds in the inner ear and sudden waves of vertigo that may last for hours. You may also experience momentary hearing losses.
Vestibular Neuritis
This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.
Migraines
Migraines can impact your vestibular system, and may be coupled with sensitivities to light or sound, or may also impair your vision.
Stroke
A stroke affects movement in your whole body. If you recently suffered a stroke, you may experience waves of vertigo which may linger for extended periods of time.
Learn more on how Physical Therapy can help your balance with the Safety Overhead Support System.