Vertigo treatment in Eureka, MO. Vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s complex and can make you lose your sense of being in the world, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Eureka, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Eureka, MO physical and occupational therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider 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 Eureka, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, 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.

What Is Vertigo?

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. 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 a symptom of various disorders impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing sensory information vital for maintaining balance and eye movements. Here are some of the most frequent causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary 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 disrupts these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder 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 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. Such swelling interferes with the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can impact balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in treatment, as it allows our Eureka, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the specific source of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can experience more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also come with 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 commonly result in nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in one or both ears, which may occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Eureka, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Eureka, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’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, 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

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Eureka, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Eureka, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your particular situation. That might involve 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 could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused form of therapy designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. 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. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple tasks like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who experience dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe method that seeks to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to their original location, effectively reducing vertigo associated with this disorder. This maneuver involves specific head movements under the guidance of a specialist, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Eureka, 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 Eureka, MO

Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Eureka, MO individuals suffering from 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 are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Eureka, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Eureka, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging 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 professional vertigo treatment is accessible for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in Eureka, 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 | 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 standing up from a chair seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain 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 return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.