Is the Room Spinning?

Vertigo, by definition, is an abnormal sensation or perception of motion or spinning. Individuals with vestibular dysfunction often report symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and/or visual disturbances. According to the Vestibular Disorders Association (www.vestibular.org), as many as one third of all reported healthcare visits include symptoms of dizziness and vertigo. It is the second most common complaint heard in doctor's offices and will occur in about 70% of the nation's population at some time in their lives. 

So, what causes this widespread disorder? It's actually all in the ear! The ear contains the vestibular system, which has three compartments. These compartments relay information to the brain about how the head is moving in relation to the world. The dysfuction can occur in any part of the ear (outer, middle, or inner), and can cause vestibular issues in one ear or in both ears. 

Vestibular dysfuctions can also be caused by many outside influences, including age, a virus, allergies, trauma to the head, or a sudden change in pressure like being on an airplane. However, the most common vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), is caused by calcium crystals called otoconia being misaligned in the ear. 

Vestibular dysfunctions are also a major cause of falls. Good balance relies on sensory input from the eyes, the vestibular system in the ear, and the signals from your feet on the ground to your brain. When one or more of these fail, your balance is thrown off. More than 80% of people over the age of 60 experience a fall. 

The good news is, there's a treatment for vertigo. A specific type of physical therapy, simply called vestibular rehabilitation, is beneficial for most people. Dr. Cheryl Abelow, doctor of physical therapy and owner of FlexPlus Physical Therapy, and her staff are the only clinicians in MetroWest certified by the Vestibular Disorder Association to treat vestibular disorders.  

Dr. Abelow says many individuals who attend an initial evaluation for vestibular rehab are frustrated, anxious, and fearful about their symptoms. "This makes sense," she notes, "because no one wants to constantly feel like they've just gotten off the Tilt-A-Whirl at the carnival." Vertigo attacks are can impact daily living, like driving.  "Most patients who come to FlexPlus Physical Therapy for vertigo are only here for a few visits," explains Dr. Abelow. "Oftentimes, we simply need to realign the calcium crystals in the ear." The way to realign these crystals is called canalith repositioning, which means that the doctor will move your head and body around to push the crystals back into place. 

A few vestibular patients require more visits, because their vestibular dysfuction comes from something other than BPPV. However, Dr. Cheryl and her certified staff make sure that their patients are well-versed in their home exercise program to use if an attack comes on at home. 

While there is nothing that can completely prevent vertigo, Dr. Abelow has some helpful tips to reduce a flair-up. 

• Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated reduces vertigo attacks. 

• Avoid coffee, soda, and alcohol, as these can all cause an attack.

• Take an antihistimine. If you have any inflammation in the ear causing vertigo, this can help.  

• Avoid salty foods and chocolate. Salt will dehydrate you, and chocolate contains caffeine. 

If you or someone you know has a vestibular dysfunction, we'd love to help! Give us at FlexPlus Physical Therapy a call at 508-650-0060, and we'll get that room to stop spinning for you! 

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