Dizzy No More!

Dizziness and Vertigo Rehab

What Causes Vestibular Dysfunction?

Although dizziness and vertigo can be due to a variety of causes, a large percentage originates from the vestibular system, a part of the inner ear and the brain that helps control balance and eye movements.

A common vestibular dysfunction manifestation is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).   Within the labyrinth of the inner ear lie collections of calcium crystals known as otoconia or otoliths. In cases of BPPV, the otoconia are dislodged from their normal position within the utricle to an abnormal position in the semicircular canals.   Viral/bacterial infections, ototoxicity, advancing age and trauma (eg. whiplash, falls) can precipitate the “ear rock” migration.

As a result, when your head is repositioned relative to gravity, for example, laying your head back at a hair salon, the gravity-dependent movement of the heavier otoconial debris within the affected semicircular canal causes abnormal fluid displacement and a resultant sensation of vertigo.

What Are Common Symptoms?

You may have BPPV if your dizziness is intermittent and typically triggered by:

• Tipping your head back
• Rolling over in bed
• Getting up from bed
• Looking up or under
• Sudden head motion

Furthermore, you may have BPPV if your dizziness and imbalance is made worse by changes in barometric pressure (eg. 1-2 days before rain or snow), lack of regular sleep, and increased stress.

How Can Capilano Help My Dizziness?

Capilano has been providing dizziness rehabilitation to the Edmonton, Sherwood Park and surrounding areas for over eight years.  Our trained Capilano Dizziness Rehab Program staff will first determine if BBPV is responsible for your symptoms.

Critical elements of your initial exam include oculomotor function and motion sensitivity testing, plus a balance and gait assessment.

If you are a suitable rehab candidate, Capilano utilizes a proven exercise based and manual therapy approach to relieve your peripheral vestibular pathology symptoms. Clinical research has shown there to be about an 80-85% success rate in reducing and resolving symptoms through this active treatment program.  And best of all:  no drugs and and no surgery!  Just real results.

What Should I Do Next?

If you are struggling with episodes of spinning dizziness and vertigo, please call Capilano today at 780-466-1104 to book your personal Dizziness and Vertigo Rehab appointment.