There are two types of vertigo; central vertigo and vertigo with an unknown cause. Central vertigo comes from problems in the cerebellum or the brainstem. Symptoms often occur in the form of migraines.
If the cause of your vertigo is unknown, you may suffer from signs of vertigo such as nausea and vomiting and the inability to keep fluids down. Or you may experience a sudden instance of vertigo not caused by changing position. It is also possible to experience a sudden hearing loss that is not diagnosed as Ménière's disease.
Vestibular rehabilitation has been quite successful in reducing vertigo and improving balance for people suffering from vertigo.
How is vertigo treated and what is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program, designed by a specialized physical therapist to improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems by retraining the brain.
This program is especially useful for people experiencing various forms of vertigo occurring when the brain sends abnormal messages from your ears to the brain.
During vestibular rehabilitation you keep moving despite feelings of dizziness and vertigo. Your brain eventually learns to rely on the signals coming from the rest of your body, like your eyes and legs, rather than the confusing signals coming from your inner ear. By relying on these other signals, your brain minimizes any dizziness/spinning and helps you to maintain your balance.
Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy for Vertigo
People suffering from either central or non-specific vertigo can expect:
decreased fall risk
improved balance
improved ability to stabilize vision/gaze
decreased dizziness
improved neuromuscular coordination
improved balance
improved ability to stabilize vision/gaze
increased body strength
improved confidence, less fear of falling
Often vestibular rehabilitation therapy will be the only treatment needed to mitigate vertigo as it takes advantage of the adaptive nature of our central nervous system.