The dizzy patient and vestibular rehabilitation.
Dizziness is still a poorly understood and under-treated condition. Many patients suffer for long periods before action is taken. In correctly diagnosed cases treatment can be amazingly fast and effective. Whilst not all dizzy patients can be helped by physiotherapy, a thorough examination will ascertain those who may respond. It will also highlight any specific problems that might require specialist investigation .
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a surprisingly common and under-diagnosed condition. Patients typically present with dizziness especially rotation, which is precipitated by turning over to one side in bed. The dizziness is often very alarming. This is commonly mistaken for Menieres Disease.
Treatments commonly offered include:
Canalith Repostitioning (ie Epley Maneouvre) for BPPV
Gaze Stabilisation and Vestibular Exercises to treat vestibular dysfunction following Labrynthitis or other ear infection
Upper cervical spine (neck) mobilisation to correct dysfunction stemming from the neck.
Treatment will also include advice and education on how to manage symptoms.