Vertigo treatment in Eureka, MO. The condition known as 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 Eureka, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We target the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Eureka, MO 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.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Eureka, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, you can trust in Axes. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

Vertigo is often described as a spinning sensation, where you might feel as though you’re moving when in fact you’re stationary, 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 usually associated with various conditions impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages information about our position in the world around us. Here are a few of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost 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 head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear may result in dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear leads to pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts 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 nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop immediately or sometime 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 affect the inner ear, 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 enables our Eureka, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or other noises in either ears, which can 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 physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as quick movements, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Eureka, MO. It usually involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Eureka, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Eureka, 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.

Eureka, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Eureka, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Eureka, 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 Eureka, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises aimed 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 enhance 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 concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This assists training your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple tasks like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who suffer from dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions 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 controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe procedure that seeks to reposition the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct location, thus alleviating vertigo that are characteristic of this disorder. It entails specific head movements with the guidance of a specialist, aiming to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Eureka, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing personalized 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 holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Eureka, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Eureka, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Eureka, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Eureka, MO include:

• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
• Vestibular Therapy
• Concussion Treatment

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Eureka, 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 feel challenging. 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 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.