Jacksonville/South Side Positional Vertigo – A Common Cause of Dizziness & Balance Disorders
If you have BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), our vestibular therapy experts can perform a series of simple movements, such as the Epley maneuver, which can help dislodge the otoconia (calcium crystals) from the semicircular canal of the ear. In many cases, one session works; other people need the procedure several times to relieve their dizziness.
When should I seek help if I have dizziness symptoms?
To help you decide whether to seek medical help for a dizzy spell, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, talk to one of our physical therapists and your doctor:
- Do I feel unsteady?
- Do I feel as if the room is spinning around me?
- Do I feel as if I’m moving when I know I’m sitting or standing still?
- Do I lose my balance and fall?
- Do I feel as if I’m falling?
- Do I feel lightheaded or as if I might faint?
- Do I have blurred vision?
- Do I ever feel disoriented–losing my sense of time or location?
Vertigo & Dizziness
Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is in your inner ear. This nerve carries balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. When the nerve is inflamed, it causes vertigo. Vertigo makes you feel as if you or your surroundings are moving even though there is no actual movement. Vestibular neuritis usually occurs in only one ear at a time.
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Vestibular Habituation
These exercises focus on the specific activity or position causing dizziness in order to recondition the brain’s response.
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Canalith Re-positioning
This procedure treats “ear rocks”, or debris that may have collected within a specific part of the inner ear.
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Balance Retraining
These exercises coordinate muscle and sensory responses for balance control.
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Motor Adaptation
These exercises use specific eye movements to help the vestibular system readapt.
