Understanding Vertigo: What It Is, What It Feels Like, and What Causes It

Many people use the terms “vertigo” and “dizziness” interchangeably, but vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. Dizziness can refer to a range of sensations: wooziness, lightheadedness, etc. Vertigo refers to a particular sensation in which you feel like you or the space you’re in is spinning.

Vertigo is closely associated with your vestibular system, which is located in your inner ear (the peripheral vestibular system) and in your cerebellum (the central vestibular system). Most people with vertigo have an impairment in the peripheral vestibular system: the structures and canals of the inner ear.

What sort of impairments? Here are a few of the most common:

• Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV): The most common source of vertigo, this occurs when tiny crystals build up in the inner ear canal.
• Meniere’s Disease: This results from fluid buildup in your inner ear. In addition to vertigo, you might experience hearing loss or muffled hearing, tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the ear.
• Labyrinthitis: This is an inner ear inflammation resulting from an infection. 

It’s important to remember that vertigo isn’t really a condition in and of itself — it’s a symptom. If you can’t find an obvious inner ear issue that could be causing your vertigo, you may have central vertigo, vertigo that’s rooted in your cerebellum. The following can cause central vertigo:

• Stroke
• Migraines
• Vascular disease
• Traumatic brain injury 

Our physical therapists will work with you and other providers, if needed, to determine the exact root of your vertigo attacks.

Physical Therapy’s Role in Treating Vertigo

Many people are surprised that physical therapy is a standard treatment for vertigo, but it’s true, especially if you have peripheral vertigo. Our therapists will blend several different treatments to help manage your vertigo attacks while working to improve your overall balance and stability:

• Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that consists of exercises specifically designed to address issues with the vestibular system, including relaxation techniques, gaze stabilization exercises, and more.
• Repositioning maneuvers help people with BPPV. We can dislodge the crystals causing your symptoms by positioning your head in certain ways.
• Balance training is an integral part of any vertigo treatment plan. We’ll walk you through exercises designed to challenge — and improve — your overall balance, which helps reduce your fall risk.
• Conditioning programs are another important piece in the vertigo puzzle. Muscular weakness, particularly in the core, can contribute to balance issues; a tailored exercise program will help you build the strength you need to stay on your feet.
• Finally, patient education ensures you understand the cause of your vertigo and have the tools you need to manage it. For example, we can help you identify and avoid vertigo triggers and provide strategies to make it through vertigo attacks.