Vertigo treatment in Bella Villa, 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 Bella Villa, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Bella Villa, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Bella Villa, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to start getting your best you back today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

Vertigo typically presents as a sensation of spinning, where either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, or it seems like the environment around you is moving. Those who have experienced vertigo can attest it’s much worse than just light-headedness. 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 often a symptom of various conditions affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing sensory information essential for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed are several of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV alters these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear leads to pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can affect balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear soon after or long following the injury.
• Other Causes: Less commonly, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious condition affecting the brain (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that affect the inner ear, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is an essential step in managing the condition, as it allows our Bella Villa, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can experience more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also be accompanied by several other symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, independent of physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Bella Villa, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Bella Villa, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Bella Villa, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can approach Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Bella Villa, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Bella Villa, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Bella Villa, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique situation. That may include 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 Bella Villa, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment method 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 recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to better vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This assists training your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are meant for those who experience dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of reducing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle method that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thus alleviating the dizzy spells associated with this condition. This maneuver entails specific head positions under the guidance of a specialist, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Bella Villa, MO physical therapists first, who can teach you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Bella Villa, MO

Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a premier choice for Bella Villa, MO individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Bella Villa, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care tailored to your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Bella Villa, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Bella Villa, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Bella Villa, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Bella Villa, MO include:

• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Bella Villa, 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 crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.

If you’re suffering from vertigo or related symptoms, remember that you’re not alone. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to learn more about how their vestibular therapy services can help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.