PhysioCare-4-Kids Pediatric Therapy

 Vestibular Rehabilitation 

Did you know that balance disorders are the number one health complaint of patients over age 70?  It is estimated that ninety million Americans go to health care providers because of vertigo, dizziness or balance problems. It is the second most common complaint heard in doctor’s offices, and will occur in 70% of the nation’s population at sometime in their lives. 

Vertigo can be caused by both peripheral and central vestibular deficits.  About three-fourths of vestibular disorders are peripheral (inner ear and vestibular nerve). The most common peripheral vestibular disorder is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).  BBPV is characterized by repeated episodes of positional vertigo—i.e. a spinning sensation caused by changes in the position of the head.  People suffering from BPPV will commonly complain of dizziness or a spinning sensation when turning over in bed, looking to either side or when looking up. 

How can physical therapy help patients with BPPV?

Within the labyrinth of the inner ear lie collections of calcium crystals known as otoconia. In patients with BPPV, the otoconia are dislodged from their usual position.  The displacement of these calcium crystals within the semicircular canals of the inner ear is what causes symptoms of vertigo.  Treatment of BPPV consists of canalith repositioning procedures (also known as Epley maneuvers) to reorient the crystals within the inner ear.  Your physical therapist first has to determine which canal of the inner ear is being affected, then the appropriate Epley maneuver will be performed.  Below is a link to a video demonstrating an Epley maneuver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqokxZRbJfw

Other causes of dizziness/vertigo

There are many other causes of dizziness/vertigo that can impair balance, gait and function.  These disorders include Ménière disease, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, perilymphatic fistula, acoustic neuroma, cerebrovascular disorders (i.e. stroke), cerebellar disease, migraine, multiple sclerosis, tumors of the posterior fossa, neurodegenerative disorders (i.e. Parkinson’s disease), medications, and psychiatric disorders.  Though physical therapy cannot “cure” these diseases, a physical therapist can develop a vestibular rehabilitation program to help patients cope with dizziness and improve balance in order to improve function and avoid potentially serious/life-threatening falls.