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If you’ve ever played on a trampoline as a child, you might remember that spinning feeling you had when you finally laid down in bed. Unfortunately, some people experience this same sensation without a trampoline.  Vertigo can result in sudden lightheadedness or the idea that your environment is moving around you. If you believe you’ve dealt with this feeling, take a look at the frequently asked questions below.

A Patient’s Guide to Vertigo

What is vertigo?

Doctors regard vertigo as a symptom of another condition, not a condition in and of itself. Most of the time, it stems from a cold or head trauma. The two main types of vertigo are peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. In peripheral vertigo cases, the issue occurs within the inner ear and the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. Central vertigo is caused by an irregularity in the cerebellum. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral vertigo?

vertigoPeople with peripheral vertigo may describe dizziness and trouble balancing, as well as the sensation of motion. This can trigger nausea, sweating, and even vomiting. Some patients also describe sensory issues like hearing loss in one ear, or trouble focusing their vision.

How does central vertigo differ?

Since central vertigo is based in the brain, patients may experience more worrying symptoms. These include slurred speech, facial paralysis, and difficulty swallowing or moving the eyes. Some also feel a weakness in the legs and arms.

How is it treated?

The treatment of your vertigo symptoms will depend on the issue that’s causing them. However, since most people experience the sensation because of issues with the inner ear, physical therapy is an excellent and conservative treatment method. Your therapist could offer exercises that help restore your body’s sense of balance, re-calibrating the brain to deal with the discrepancies in the affected ear.

 

If you're dealing with unexplained dizziness, turn to our team at Physical Therapy Of Andalusia in Alabama for a closer look. We have 39 years of experience helping patients deal with vertigo, so you can resume activities like driving and running with confidence. We also treat work injuries, including knee, shoulder, and back pain. To learn more about our skills, visit us online. You can also call (334) 222-5785 to arrange for an appointment.

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