Vertigo treatment in West Alton, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be particularly challenging as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in West Alton, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We attack the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of West Alton, 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 resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in West Alton, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, 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 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 conditions influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for managing sensory information crucial for maintaining balance and eye movements. Listed 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) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear often causes dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear results in 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 obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from 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: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear shortly or long after 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our West Alton, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions targeting the specific source of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in achieving balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in either ears, which can occur alongside 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 can lead to sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in West Alton, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our West Alton, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular rehabilitation, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in West Alton, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can come to Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

West Alton, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in West Alton, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our West Alton, 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 West Alton, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment method intended 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 interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to 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 keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This assists teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for people with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and lowering 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 walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who experience dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that aims to reposition the dislodged crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this disorder. This maneuver entails precise head positions under the guidance of a professional, 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 West Alton, 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 West Alton, MO

Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for West Alton, MO people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert West Alton, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in West Alton, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing 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 West Alton, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around West Alton, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in West Alton, 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 | West Alton, 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 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.