Do you suffer from vertigo, dizziness, balance issues and/or visual disturbance?
If so, you know that life with one or more of these conditions is challenging enough even on a good day – and can be downright arresting as conditions worsen.
Don’t give up hope!
Treatment for vestibular conditions is available – and is becoming more effective all the time.
In this edition of the Broadview Spine & Health blog, we’ll explore vestibular disorders and the treatments that we’ve found to be quite efficacious, including vestibular motion therapy and vestibular rehabilitation in Ottawa.
What Causes Dizziness, Vertigo & Other Motion / Vestibular Disorders?
Dizziness, imbalance and vertigo are not uncommon.
Around 2% of the population seeks treatment for vertigo, dizziness and other balance / motion / vestibular issues each year.
Diagnoses include:
- Vertigo
- Meniere’s Disease
- Dizziness
- Migraines
- Imbalance
Some of the signs and symptoms of these disorders include sensations or feelings of:
- Wooziness
- Spinning
- Floating
- Light-headedness
- Tilting / Swaying
- Possibility of Passing Out or Fainting
- Off-Kilter or Unsteadiness
If you experience a one-off event, have temporary feelings such as this but they pass and don’t return, there may not be anything of major concern.
For those who experience some or all of these symptoms on an ongoing basis, however, diagnosis should be sought – regardless of the duration (sometimes episodes are short, while other times they can persist for days).
Causes of vestibular disorders, vertigo, balance and motion issues can vary. It can be lifestyle related, aging, inner ear disorder, a side effect of medication or other non-life-threatening issues.
Motion and vestibular disorders can, however, also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition – such as an issue stemming from the brain or heart.
That’s why proper and prompt diagnosis of vestibular & motion disorders is important.
Assessing Balance Issues, Vestibular Disorders, Vertigo, Etc.
Among the areas we assess in patients exhibiting these conditions include:
- Balance
- Visual stability
- Gait
- Mobility
- Neck Strength
- Arm Strength
- Leg Strength
- Inner Ear Positionality
Your team will also speak with you about the nature of symptoms and episodes you have experienced, asking about:
- Dizziness (degree, duration, etc.)
- Headaches
- Falling / fainting
- Spinning
- Nausea
- Pain in neck or back
- Headaches
Once we have a better understanding of the specific nature and degree of your condition, we work with you to develop a customized treatment plan to combat the vestibular issues you are experiencing.
How Broadview Helps with Vestibular Rehabilitation & Vestibular Motion Therapy in Ottawa
Once you have been diagnosed and we have developed a customized plan, many times we will engage you in vestibular rehabilitation in Ottawa.
These are effective forms of treatment of vertigo or other motion / vestibular disorders. Treatment includes head-eye motion vestibular motion therapy as well as other forms of vestibular rehabilitation – incorporating exercises at home with a variety of treatments at our Ottawa vestibular rehabilitation clinic.
To find out how our therapies for vestibular rehabilitation in Ottawa can help you, contact us today.