When you think about your sense of balance, it’s helpful to imagine a stool with three legs. You have three systems that support your body when orientating yourself in space and feeling level: 1. Your visual system 2. Your proprioceptive system (ie. your sense of touch) and 3. Your vestibular system (ie. inner ear). When one of these systems falls off kilter, you’ll experience a loss of balance and it will be hard for your brain & body to get on the same page.

One of the biggest reasons for a loss of balance is an issue with your vestibular system, and in particular - Vertigo. This is usually described as a sensation of spinning or moving around when there is no actual movement. It can occur in both children and adults, and either be associated with an injury or appear out of nowhere.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is caused by a problem with the inner ear. This part of the body detects motion and sends signals to the brain. If something goes wrong with the inner ear, the brain receives false signals about where the head is in space. This leads to dizziness and nausea. Vertigo can be the result of damage to the inner ear from a concussion or head injury, or from the crystals in your ear becoming loose (also known as Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV).

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• headaches

• blurred vision

• nausea

• ringing in the ears

• balance issues

• fatigue

• trouble concentrating

Treatments for Vertigo

There are several different types of treatment options available for vertigo. These include medications, exercises, and lifestyle changes.

According to NHS inform, medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines, can help in the early stages or in most cases of vertigo.

Physiotherapists who are trained in vestibular conditions can also start you on a VRT (vestibular rehabilitation training) program which will help your visual and proprioceptive systems connect with your vestibular system again. This often involves special equipment and exercises.

At-Home Vertigo Treatment

Depending on what's causing your vertigo, there may be things you can do yourself to help relieve your symptoms. Your GP or the specialist treating you may advise you to:

• do simple exercises to correct your symptoms

• sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows

• get up slowly when getting out of bed and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or so before standing

• avoid bending down to pick up items

• avoid extending your neck – for example, while reaching up to a high shelf

• move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities

• do exercises that trigger your vertigo, so your brain gets used to it and reduces the symptoms (do these only after making sure you won't fall, and have support if needed)

If you’re suffering from vertigo related symptoms, our trained Physiotherapists can help! We can see clients virtually or in the comfort of your home in Vancouver & Surrey. Click the button below to book!