Are You Suffering From
Dizziness and / or Vertigo in New Jersey?
At Complete Physical Rehabilitation, patients frequently come in suffering from dizziness and balance issues.
Many of them have already visited their doctor, which is the right step, as dizziness can be alarming. Often, patients worry that they might have a heart condition or another serious issue. Experiencing dizziness, particularly when simply walking from one room to another, can be frightening.
Typically, these patients have undergone extensive testing – CAT scans, MRIs, and heart tests – all of which have returned normal results. Yet, after several months, they still experience dizziness. When the medication prescribed by their physician doesn’t help, they often hear the suggestion to try physical therapy.
These are the common scenarios that we encounter when people first arrive at the clinic. We are dedicated to providing effective solutions for dizziness and balance problems. Dizziness can manifest as a spinning sensation, a rush when turning your head, or a wobbly feeling when standing up. Some patients report that they can’t walk in a straight line or that they feel dizzy in situations like shopping or giving presentations at work. For some, the dizziness is so severe that it affects their job performance, leading to fears about job security.
At Complete Physical Rehabilitation, the focus is on identifying the root cause of the condition. Often, the underlying issue is related to the inner ear. We offer unique, clinically based solutions to dramatically reduce or eliminate dizziness and balance issues, helping patients regain their ability to walk safely at home and in their communities without fear of falling.
We also provide specific tests using an ICS device to determine if the dizziness is related to an inner ear condition. Additionally, computerized force plates are used to analyze weight distribution in the feet and address balance problems. The most valuable tools at Complete Physical Rehabilitation are the knowledge and dedication of the staff, who are committed to helping patients overcome their dizziness and balance conditions and return to living life confidently.
For those ready to begin the journey toward reducing or eliminating dizziness and improving balance, Complete Physical Rehabilitation is here to help.
What are the causes and risks?
Vertigo is the feeling of rocking or rotation when you are perfectly still. It tends to last for several hours or days. Medically, it is distinct from dizziness because it involves the sensation of movement. Vertigo is often due to a problem in the inner ear. An important part of the inner ear is the collection of semicircular canals. These structures are lined with cells that act like a gyroscope for the body and are responsible for providing feedback on our position.
There are a variety of causes for this condition. The cause may be central or peripheral. Central causes occur in the spinal cord or brain, while peripheral is due to a problem with the inner ear. An illness or small crystals in the inner ear that become displaced can cause irritation within the semicircular canals. This is a central cause and known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). With Meniere’s disease, there is a fluid buildup in the inner ear that can cause vertigo. Headaches, head injuries, strokes, tumours, and multiple sclerosis can also cause vertigo.
Head injuries definitely increase the risk factor for vertigo. In addition, antidepressants, aspirin, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure meds can also cause vertigo. For some, alcohol can cause vertigo.
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Diagnosis and treatment
On your first visit, our specialists will take a full history of your symptoms and events. This includes previous medical issues, recent illnesses, and medications. Then, a physical exam is performed. At Complete Physical Rehabilitation, our exams include computerized diagnostic testing using the Natus NeuroCom Smart Balance Master & Natus ICS Impulse Vestibular Testing systems. This provides your physical therapist with the data needed to determine the cause of symptoms. Signs of abnormal eye movement may pinpoint the problem. In addition, the Dix-Hallpike repositioning test or the roll test, utilizing rapid head movement, may be done in order to monitor symptoms.
A physician may prescribe medication, such as Meclizine, for symptom relief. However, in our experience, medication does not necessarily provide relief, nor is it a cure. In fact, many physicians are not even aware that VRT can help patients with vertigo and dizziness problems.
A physical therapist specializing in VRT can provide the best solutions for relief. The most effective treatments if the vertigo is peripheral include partial repositioning movements. It’s known as the canalith repositioning procedure or the Epley manoeuvre. Specific head movements are performed to move the crystals in the inner ear. Cawthorne head exercises may also be performed. It’s a series of head and eye movements. This leads to decreased sensitivity of the nerves and improves vertigo. However, this needs to be done on a regular basis for optimal results.
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Prognosis
Most patients with peripheral vertigo can find substantial relief with treatment; it has been suggested that the Epley maneuver in cases of BPPV can benefit as many as 90% of affected patients. Although recurrence of BPPV may be more than 15% in the first year after an episode, it is unlikely that vertigo will persist beyond a few days. When vertigo persists, evaluation for any underlying structural problems of the brain, spinal canal, or inner ear may be necessary.
Are you feeling dizzy with a sense of movement? You just might be experiencing vertigo. Make your world stop spinning with the help of our experienced and certified physical therapists. They are trained in the Cawthorne head exercises and Epley maneuver for vertigo. They can even give you instruction on how to do these exercises at home. Contact Us Today for Dizziness Relief in Elizabeth or Jersey City, NJ to set up a one-on-one consultation and full evaluation of your symptoms. We’ve helped many others and can help you too.
Are you unsure if physical therapy is right for you? Take advantage of our FREE discovery sessions which help identify your issues and if we can provide help!
** Please note there is no treatment given during one of our discovery sessions. These sessions are designed to evaluate your needs and ensure we can offer the help you need.