Is the room spinning? What does Vertigo really feel like?

Have you or someone you know ever experienced vertigo?

True vertigo, where the room feels like it is spinning around you, can be very scary.  Most people who are seen by a physician or in urgent/emergency care are prescribed Meclizine and told to rest.  However, symptoms often do not fully resolve.  This results in modification of activity, sleeping position, patterns of sleeping, and fear with movement. All of these modifications will alter lifestyle and can cause someone to stop doing the things they love.  

Did you know that Physical Therapy can help? 

This type of vertigo described above is called BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo).  It can be caused by many things or nothing in particular.  What happens is that tiny otoconia (crystals) in the utricle of the inner ear become dislodged from the sticky gelatinous substance they belong in and find their way into the semi-circular canals. 

Once in the semi-circular canals the "crystals" disrupt the fluid flow and cause altered signals to be sent to the brain.  The result is the feeling of the world spinning and eyes jumping (nystagmus).

Have you heard of the Epley manuever?

A simple evaluation by a trained physical therapist and treatment with the Epley maneuver or other appropriate choice (treatment is based on what canal is impacted which is determined in the evaluation).  Treatment maneuvers are performed by holding the head in a hanging position and turning it and the body to coerce the otoconia out of the canal to drop back into the utricle where they belong.  While it sounds complex, it is a very simple procedure. See the diagram below.

Don't feel like you are stuck at home!

Did you know at Cape Concierge Physical Therapy will come to your house?!? That's right, we will come to you, evaluate and treat you in the same visit. It's super easy and convenient to schedule.

If you would like to learn more, please check out our website. It has a great vertigo section with more details about the diagnosis. In addition, Kara McKeown, has some great instagram videos with descriptions on Vertigo.