Vertigo treatment in Mapaville, MO. Vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Mapaville, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We target root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Mapaville, MO 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 Mapaville, 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 begin the journey to reclaim your best self 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 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 commonly associated with various disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing information about our position in the world around us. Listed are several of the most frequent 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 transmits information 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 results in pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves 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, resulting in vertigo and problems with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can influence balance and cause motion sickness.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest immediately or sometime after the injury.
- Other Causes: More rarely, 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 a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our Mapaville, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address 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 Symptoms
This condition can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Trouble in keeping balance, heightening the chances for falls, especially in elderly individuals.
- Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur alongside vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss is often a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Mapaville, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Mapaville, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Mapaville, 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.
Mapaville, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Mapaville, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Mapaville, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your specific circumstances. That could encompass 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 Mapaville, MO may include:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises designed 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 better vision and the capability 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 hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate 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 are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple activities 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 intended for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger 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 specified number of repetitions.
- The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle method that aims to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. This maneuver involves specific head positions with the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.
For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Mapaville, MO physical therapists initially, who can guide you on what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Mapaville, MO
Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Mapaville, MO people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Mapaville, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands 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 comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Mapaville, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, improving 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 Mapaville, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Mapaville, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.
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 Mapaville, MO include:
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
- Vestibular Therapy
- Concussion Treatment
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Mapaville, 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 specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.