Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in doctor’s offices as it occurs in 70% of the nation’s population at some point in their lives. So what exactly is causing this dizziness? While benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, known as BPPV, is a common cause of dizziness, there are several other diagnoses that could result in a spinning sensation.
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause dizzy spells and sometimes hearing loss. Meniere’s disease typically originates in only one ear, but can evolve into both ears if left untreated. Although it can affect individuals of all ages, Meniere’s is most prevalent in young and middle-aged adults. Meniere’s typically comes with a ringing or roaring in the ear followed by a dizziness episode lasting hours to days. Medical management can help reduce symptoms and physical therapy can help you recover from any deficits caused by the episode.
Neuritis occurs when a patient’s peripheral nerves become inflamed. The peripheral nerves include the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, serving as a communication source between the brain and the rest of the body. When you move, the brain sends an electrical signal to the necessary muscles to make them contract and generate movement. Vestibular neuritis in particular is the inflammation of the inner ear nerves. These nerves send balance information from the inner ear directly to the brain. When they become swollen, however, the brain cannot comprehend the inner ear’s signals and thus causes dizziness. It is typical for patients with this diagnosis to report a sudden onset of dizziness, so dizzy that they often can’t walk and have to crawl to get where they need to go. Many also make a trip to the emergency room. These episodes last days to weeks and symptoms are fairly constant, but worsened by motion. Physical therapy can help determine what is going on and get you back on your feet sooner. Medical management is also helpful to reduce initial symptoms.
Labrynthitis is the inflammation of a specific part of the inner ear known as the labyrinth. Here, the eighth cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve) may become inflamed. This causes feelings of spinning, imbalance, tinnitus (ringing of the inner ears) and more. Patients with labyrinthitis present just like those with neuritis, but they also have substantial hearing loss. Vestibular migraines are similar to traditional migraines, however they are more specific to one side of the head and don’t always generate headaches. Instead, dizziness occurs and can last for five minutes to 72 hours, as well as unsteadiness and imbalance. These patients typically describe that they don’t see movement, but feel that things are moving. They tend to want to rest in a dark room until the episode subsides. Some patients have a migraine history, others do not. If we can find the trigger, we can help reduce the episodes.
Vestibular migraines are similar to traditional migraines, however they are more specific to one side of the head and don’t always generate headaches. Instead, dizziness occurs and can last for five minutes to 72 hours, as well as unsteadiness and imbalance. These patients typically describe that they don’t see movement, but feel that things are moving. They tend to want to rest in a dark room until the episode subsides. Some patients have a migraine history while others do not. If we can find the trigger, we can help reduce the episodes.
Do you experience any of the above mentioned diagnoses? Here’s what you should do:
- Lay still in a quiet, dark room to help ease symptoms.
- Close your eyes and take deep breaths.
- Use a cane or walker to improve balance.
- Consult with your doctor to create a plan of care.
The good news from FYZICAL:
- We treat Meniere’s disease, neuritis, labyrinthitis, and vestibular migraines, among other dizziness diagnoses!
- A physical therapy-based exercise program can help reduce symptoms and get you back on your feet faster.
- Our safety overhead support (S.O.S.) system gives patients the confidence to move while reducing fear of falls.
Give FYZICAL Dakota Dunes a call today to start loving your life again! No referral needed!