Vertigo

Dizziness, nausea, and ringing in your ears could indicate vertigo, an often debilitating condition when left untreated. It affects almost 40% of adults at least once during their lifetime. At Holsman Physical Therapy, which has 17 locations throughout New Jersey and New York City, the exceptional therapy team offers natural treatments for vertigo to provide relief and reduce the chance of future problems. Schedule a vertigo evaluation at Holsman Physical Therapy by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a condition that stems from problems with your inner ear or brain. It causes the sensation of dizziness like the room is spinning. While vertigo may eventually go away on its own, treatment at Holsman Physical Therapy offers faster symptom relief. 

Which symptoms can vertigo cause?

Vertigo can cause the following:

• Dizziness
• Spinning
• Being off-balance
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hearing loss in one or both ears
• Ringing in your ears
• Rapid side-to-side eye movements
• Feeling of fullness in your ear
• Headaches
• Motion sickness
• Instability
• Difficulty walking

Peripheral vertigo, the most common type, appears because of vestibular nerve or inner ear issues.

While less common, central vertigo happens because of problems with the brain. Examples include strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or infections. This form of vertigo typically causes more severe symptoms. 

What are the risk factors for vertigo?

The following factors can contribute to vertigo symptoms:

• Inner ear issues
• Tumors
• Strokes
• Migraines
• Diabetes
• Arrhythmias
• Some medications
• Head injuries
• Shingles
• Prolonged bed rest
• Ear surgery
• Fluid leaking from the inner ear
• Rapid breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Middle ear bone growth
• Syphilis
• Brain disease
• Tumors
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

When not addressed, vertigo can interfere with your ability to work, drive, or maintain a good quality of life. 

How does my provider diagnose vertigo?

The Holsman Physical Therapy specialists review your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to determine if you have vertigo. 

They offer vertigo testing, such as marching in place for 30 seconds or standing with your feet together and your eyes closed. You may complete head positioning exercises or imaging procedures (CT scans, MRIs, etc.).

How is vertigo treated?

Your customized vertigo treatment plan depends on its underlying cause. Holsman Physical Therapy provides head repositioning therapy and vestibular rehabilitation therapy. 

During treatment, simply move your head in specific ways to shift inner ear crystals back into their appropriate place. You might try strengthening, stretching, and eye movement exercises. Your therapist teaches head movement exercises you can do at home between in-office visits.

You might also take medications, and the Holsman Physical Therapy team refers you to another specialist if you’re a candidate for surgery. 

Once the vertigo subsides, you likely don’t need additional treatment. However, if your vertigo returns, continue with therapy at Holsman Physical Therapy to eliminate it. 

Schedule a vertigo evaluation at Holsman Physical Therapy by phone or request one online today. The practice has locations in Lyndhurst, Fair Lawn, Cedar Grove, Caldwell, Bloomfield, Maplewood, Newark, South Orange, Clifton, Paterson, Kearney, Jersey City, and Rahway, New Jersey, and the Crotona and Van Nest neighborhoods in the Bronx and the Cypress Hills neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City.