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 VESTIBULAR DISORDERS Vestibular disorders are common problems affecting the inner ear, which cause people to feel dizzy or off-balance. These disorders are often misdiagnosed and misunderstood by health care practitioners, so the problem may go on for months or even years without treatment. Many people do not realize that there are several types of vestibular disorders that may be treated with vestibular physical therapy. The first type of disorder is Unilateral Vestibular Dysfunction or weakness on one side of the vestibular system. A person with this type of vestibular disorder may suffer imbalance, nausea when turning the head, blurred vision, and vertigo or the sensation of spinning. The second type is Bilateral Vestibular Dysfunction or weakness on both sides of the vestibular system. These individuals may experience imbalance, wooziness when turning the head or the illusion that things are bouncing up and down with movement. The third type of vestibular disorder is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, commonly called BPPV. In this disorder very small crystals located in the inner ear are dislodged. When the person moves in certain ways, the crystals move and give the person the sensation of spinning (vertigo).The most common symptom of BPPV is the sensation of spinning when lying down or rolling over in bed. Physical therapy for BPPV is simple and symptoms can usually be significantly reduced in 1-2 treatment sessions. If you feel that you may have one of these disorders, consult your doctor about your symptoms and your possible need for physical therapy at a PT Northwest location. |
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