Vestibular & Vertigo Physiotherapy

Vertigo and dizziness are caused by the vestibular system which consists of the peripheral vestibular apparatus located in the inner ear, connecting nerves and areas of the brain that process this information. The vestibular system is crucial for maintaining balance and for stability of your gaze/vision.

4 Life Physiotherapy is fortunate to have several Physiotherapists with post-graduate training in the treatment of vestibular disorders. Moreso, Physiotherapy is proven to be a safe and highly effective treatment for various types of vertigo. 

To make an appointment for your vertigo, click here.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

BPPV is the most common type of vertigo that we treat at 4 Life Physiotherapy. It is characterised by episodes of sudden and often severe vertigo which is triggered by movement of the head. Commonly our patients tell us they experience vertigo rolling over in bed, getting out of bed, and lifting their head up (like when shaving under the chin or washing their hair in the shower). For some, this vertigo is associated with nausea and/or vomiting.

BPPV is caused by tiny crystals inside the vestibular organs, called otoconia, becoming dislodged in the inner ear. They may become dislodged due to injury (such as a knock to the head or whiplash) or degeneration (meaning that BPPV is much more common in the older population).

The good news about a diagnosis of BPPV is that it is easily treated with a series of relocation techniques performed by a vestibular physiotherapist. This treatment can be performed in our clinic and is highly effective, with 90% of cases only requiring 2-3 sessions to resolve their condition. 

Other Common Vestibular Conditions

  • Ménière’s Disease – an abnormality of the fluid in the inner ear that can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, fullness of the ear and imbalance.
  • Cervicogenic Vertigo – dizziness caused by neck issues.
  • Vestibular Neuritis (Labyrinthitis) – a virus or infection that can damage the balance organs causing vertigo, nausea, vomiting and imbalance.
  • Acoustic Neuroma – A rare benign tumour around the ear that can lead to hearing and balance problems.
  • Vestibular Migraine – along with the migraine headache patients often experience a visual aura (a shimmering edge, growing black dots or zig-zag lines) and light or sound sensitivity.
  • Persistent Postural-Perception Dizziness (PPPD) – is a condition of chronic dizziness arising out of vestibular disorders.
  • Head Injury – post-concussion syndrome or post-traumatic BPPV.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) or Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is an effective treatment for vestibular conditions caused in the inner ear. The goal is to restore your balance by using your other senses and to allow your brain and nervous system to compensate and relearn (neuroplasticity). It is a graded exercise approach aimed at reducing symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, visual disturbance and/or imbalance.

Your VR program is personalised to your specific condition and the goal is to enable you to complete your program independently to help you manage your symptoms more effectively on a daily basis.

When booking a Physio appointment for Vertigo, please arrange a driver to take you home

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