Vertigo treatment in Byrnes Mill, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just 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 Byrnes Mill, 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 Byrnes Mill, MO physical and occupational therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider 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 Byrnes Mill, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Reach out to the closest Axes location, 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 either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, or it seems like the world 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 that’s typically triggered 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 associated with various disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing sensory information essential for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are a few of the most typical causes of vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts 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 results in pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and problems with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can impact balance and cause nausea.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop shortly or long after the injury.
- Other Causes: Less commonly, 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 managing the condition, as it enables our Byrnes Mill, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions that directly address the specific source of what’s affecting you. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo can also present several other symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly people.
- Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in either ears, which can occur alongside vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss may be a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then adjust themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Byrnes Mill, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Byrnes Mill, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Byrnes Mill, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can visit Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.
Byrnes Mill, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Byrnes Mill, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Byrnes Mill, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your particular 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 Byrnes Mill, MO might feature:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at better vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This assists conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
- Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
- Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a set number of repetitions.
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle procedure that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this condition. It entails specific head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to meet with our Byrnes Mill, 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 Byrnes Mill, MO
Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Byrnes Mill, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Byrnes Mill, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Byrnes Mill, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Byrnes Mill, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Byrnes Mill, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.
For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Byrnes Mill, MO include:
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- 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 | Byrnes Mill, 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 specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.
If you’re suffering from 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 return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.