Vestibular Physiotherapy in Fernie BC
Are you struggling with vertigo or other vestibular conditions? Visit Ridgeline Physio, where our team can help assess and treat your vertigo. Our goal is to make the path to recovery clear and simple. We deliver evidence based treatment, as well as the tools and knowledge for success long-term.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a condition caused by a dysfunction of the vestibular system. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear, and consists of a few main components. The main components are three semicircular canals, two otolith organs called the Saccule and the Utricle, and the vestibularcochlear nerve. You can experience vertigo when you have issues in any of these three locations.
The Vestibular System helps the body know where the head is in space. It helps detect motion and orientation of the head. By integrating with the eyes, and other perceptive systems, it helps us stay balanced and track motion
When our Vestibular System isn’t working well we can experience symptoms such as
imbalance
dizziness
motion sensitivity
light-headedness
tinnitus (ear ringing)
What are Common Vestibular Conditions?
The main vestibular conditions are:
1) Benign Paroxysmal Proximal Vertigo (BPPV)
This occurs when calcium carbonate crystals from one area of the vestibular system get knocked into a semi-circular canal. This condition can make the room spin for 10sec-2mins
2) Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (ex. Vestibular Neuritis)
This occurs when there is a problem with the Vestibular Nerve (often a viral infection). This condition can cause significant dizziness and imbalance.
3) Other Vestibular Conditions:
Meniere’s Disease
Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular Labyrinthitis
How Can Vestibular Physiotherapy Help?
The good news is that a vestibular physical therapist can help manage your vestibular symptoms. During the assessment, we will determine the cause of your vertigo. Once we determine the cause we are able to pick a treatment method that is suitable for your condition. For example;
If you have BPPV: Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers are very effective at treating BPPV. BPPV will often take between 1-5 sessions to resolve. Examples of this include the Epley Maneuver. Visit our blog for more information on BPPV.
If you have Vestibular Hypofunction (UVL): Treatment will include a variety of exercises. We will focus on gaze stabilization, balance training, visual rehabilitation, and motion desensitization. Most people with a UVL will undergo 6-12weeks of vestibular rehabilitation.
