Vertigo Treatment in Leadwood, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Leadwood

Vertigo treatment in Leadwood, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Leadwood, 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 Leadwood, 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, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Leadwood, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. 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 is often described as a spinning sensation, where either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, or it seems like the environment 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 often a symptom of various conditions affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information vital for maintaining balance and eye movements. Below are a few of the most frequent causes of vertigo:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. 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, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear causes pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing 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: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear soon after or long following the injury.
Other Causes: In fewer cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious condition affecting the brain (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 enables our Leadwood, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Treatment in Leadwood, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Leadwood

Symptoms of Vertigo

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

Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling 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: Buzzing or additional noises in either ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss may be a symptom.
Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Leadwood, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Leadwood, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Leadwood, 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.

Leadwood, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Leadwood, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Leadwood, MO physical therapists will develop a customized 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 Leadwood, MO could involve:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment method designed to 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 better vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. A common technique 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 aids in conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
- Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and progress 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 suffer from dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of reducing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle procedure that aims to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this disorder. This maneuver involves precise head positions under the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate 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 Leadwood, MO physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

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

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

Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Leadwood, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Leadwood, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing 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 Leadwood, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and supported.
Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Leadwood, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Leadwood, MO include:

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

Vertigo can significantly impact your quality of life, keeping you from doing the things you love most, and even making simple tasks like walking up the stairs feel challenging. 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 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 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.