Many of us may have heard of or experienced “vertigo”. However, vertigo itself isn’t a condition but rather it’s a symptom. Vertigo is the sensation where it feels either you or your environment are spinning or moving. The severity of it varies depending on the individual.

Common Symptoms:

Some common symptoms associated with vertigo may include:

Loss of balance
Feeling sick
Dizziness

What causes these symptoms?

There are many causes of vertigo. They can be split into two categories: peripheral and central.

Peripheral Vertigo

Peripheral vertigo is more common, and it usually has to do with issues in the mechanisms of the inner ear.

Types include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – small fragments in your ear tubes
Head injuries
Labyrinthitis (inner ear infection)
Vestibular Neuronitis (inflammation of the nerve connecting from ear to brain)

Central Vertigo

Central vertigo is less common, but it involves problems in parts of your brain such as the cerebellum and brainstem.

You Osteopath can assess for vertigo

What to do if you experience Vertigo?

If you experience vertigo, it is very important to go to your medical professional to get an appropriate diagnosis. They will ask you several questions and ask you to replicate a few movements which will assist for determining the correct management.

How to treat Vertigo?

Treatment depends on the type of condition you may have. It may go away with a few weeks or require medication.

Some general tips and strategies you can use which may help include:

Lying still in a quiet or dark room
Avoid stressful situations
Getting up/moving around slowly
Avoid tilting your head back or looking upwards

If you experience the most common peripheral type of vertigo such as BPPV a technique called the Epley’s Manoeuvre which helps move the fragments in the ear may be beneficial. Your symptoms should improve but it may take up to a few weeks for a full recovery.

As your Osteopath we will be able to help assess and manage your condition. You can make an appointment at Pakenham Osteopathy. Click here to book online or call us on 5941-4157. If you have any questions please feel free to email me directly at kamal@pakenhamosteopathy.com.au. Thanks for reading!