Vertigo treatment in Augusta, MO. Vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be even more frustrating as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in Augusta, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Augusta, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Augusta, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, Axes is here to help. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to initiate your path to recovery today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

Vertigo typically presents as a sensation of spinning, where you might feel as though you’re moving when in fact you’re stationary, or it seems like the world around you is moving. Anyone who’s suffered from vertigo will tell you it’s much more than just being light-headed. It’s a specific kind of dizziness often induced by changes in the position of your head, inner ear problems, stroke, a brain tumor, or other conditions affecting the brain.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is commonly a symptom of various disorders influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Here are some of the most frequent causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV alters these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear often causes dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear leads to pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. These episodes can influence balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear soon after or long following the injury.
• Other Causes: More rarely, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious neurological problem (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that cause ear damage, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is an essential step in treatment, as it allows our Augusta, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions targeting the root cause of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

This condition can also come with several additional symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in either ears, which may occur alongside vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Augusta, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Augusta, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Augusta, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can come to Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Augusta, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Augusta, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Augusta, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your specific circumstances. That could encompass the treatment of acute conditions such as BPPV, as well as ongoing management of chronic conditions such as dizziness, imbalance, and vestibular hypofunction.

Your vertigo treatment plan in Augusta, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment modality aimed at alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises intended to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at enhance vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you fix your gaze on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This assists teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple tasks like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and progress to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who suffer from dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of reducing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that aims to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver entails precise head positions with the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to meet with our Augusta, MO physical therapists first, who can guide you on what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Augusta, MO

Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Augusta, MO people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Augusta, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care tailored to your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Augusta, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Augusta, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Augusta, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

For anyone struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a significant step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Augusta, MO include:

• Physical Therapy Clinic
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
• Sciatica Treatment
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Augusta, MO Physical Therapy

Vertigo can drastically affect your quality of life, keeping you from doing the things you love most, and even making simple tasks like turning around seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients restore their balance and confidence.

If you’re experiencing vertigo or related symptoms, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to learn more about how their vestibular therapy services can assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.