Vertigo is when one has a feeling that the surrounding is moving, typically spinning or that the person is spinning. While dizziness can be characterised by feeling like fainting, light headedness, losing sense of balance, feeling like falling and spinning. Vertigo and dizziness does affect every aspect of life. A person suffering from vertigo and dizziness loses the ability to do anything normally, especially when movement is involved. The vertigo or dizziness can be accompanied by nausea, sweating, vomiting, loss of hearing and ringing in ears. Vertigo increases the chances of falls and small head movements can increase the spinning sensation which makes the person more unwell.

Understanding the problem

In order for us to maintain our balance, there are 3 major sensory systems involved. We do rely on the sensory information from the balance organs in our inner ears, from our eyes and from our spine. Particularly the neck joints. This sensory information from the sensory organs has to travel through neural pathways that will converge onto the brainstem centre known as the vestibular nuclei. That information is then sent to higher areas of the brain where you perceive your position and motion in space.

Any disruption to the sensory organs, the sensory pathways or the central integration of the signals in the brainstem or higher areas of the brain can result in a distortion of orientation and sense of balance. The disruption will result in dizziness, vertigo, nausea and imbalance.

Common causes of vertigo and dizziness

The most common causes of imbalance and dizziness include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – tiny crystals inside the balance organs become loose which causes brief attacks of vertigo precipitated by head movement.

• Ménière’s disease – an abnormality of the fluid in the inner ear which can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, fullness in the ear and imbalance.

• Vestibular neuritis (labyrinthitis) – a virus or infection that can damage the balance organs causing vertigo, nausea, vomiting and imbalance.

• Acoustic neuroma – a rare benign tumour around the ear that can lead to hearing and balance problems.

• Migraine-related balance disorders causing vertigo and imbalance.

• Age-related changes.

• Head injuries.

What can we do to help?

1.      A thorough assessment is performed which includes a history questionnaire, Physical examination, Neurological testing, metabolic and nutritional advice.

2.      We then take the time to explain to you our report of findings with clear answers, treatment options and recommended solutions.

3.      Treatment will involve physical therapy and exercises, Neurological and brain based therapy, Vestibular (balance) rehabilitation and Metabolic/Dietary advice.

If you have BPPV this can be treated with a simple head manoeuvre known as apleys’s manoeuvre.