Have you ever had the sudden sensation that the room was spinning around you? Or maybe you were the one spinning, even though you were currently standing still? This unnerving sensation is known as vertigo. While it can occasionally happen to anyone, persistent episodes may indicate an issue with the body’s balance system. Understanding vertigo causes can help you determine what’s triggering your symptoms and how to find relief.
At Rebound Physical Therapy, we regularly work with people experiencing vertigo. As part of their treatment plan, we identify the underlying reason for their vertigo so we can provide a personalized treatment program that offers lasting relief. Today, we want to explore some of those common vertigo causes to help you understand the condition a little better.
Vertigo and the Vestibular System
The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial awareness. It has two parts: the central vestibular system, located in the cerebellum, and the peripheral vestibular system, located in the inner ear.
The peripheral vestibular system gathers sensory information about your body’s position in space, which it then sends to the central vestibular system. But when this system is disrupted, the brain receives conflicting signals about your body’s position, which then leads to vertigo and other symptoms, such as the following:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble with balance or coordination
- A feeling of being pulled in one direction
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
These symptoms can last for seconds, minutes, or even hours, depending on the underlying cause–which is why identifying vertigo causes is so important.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo can be triggered by various conditions that affect either the peripheral or central vestibular system, including the following:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with normal balance signals. This condition is one of the most frequent causes of vertigo and is often triggered by sudden head movements, such as rolling over in bed or looking up.
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
- These conditions involve inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear, often due to viral infections. Inflammation disrupts the brain’s ability to process balance information, leading to dizziness, nausea, and difficulty walking.
Meniere’s Disease
- Meniere’s disease is a disorder that causes fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. The exact cause is unknown but may be linked to circulation problems or autoimmune responses.
Migraines
- Vestibular migraines can cause vestibular-related symptoms, even without a headache. People with this condition may experience vertigo along with sensitivity to light, sound, and motion.
Head Injuries or Concussions
- Trauma to the head can disrupt the vestibular system and lead to long-lasting dizziness. Post-concussion syndrome may also contribute to balance issues and lightheadedness.
How Physical Therapy Can Help with Vertigo
Physical therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for managing vertigo. Our PTs offer several techniques to help you manage vertigo:
- Perform vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) to retrain the brain and inner ear to work together more efficiently
- Use balance exercises to improve stability and reduce fall risk
- Guide you through repositioning techniques for BPPV, such as the Epley maneuver, to move dislodged calcium particles back into place.
- Develop customized treatment plans to address vestibular symptoms caused by injuries, migraines, or other conditions.
By targeting the root cause of vertigo, physical therapy helps restore confidence in movement and enhances daily function.
Take Control of Your Balance and Well-Being
If vertigo is impacting your quality of life, schedule an appointment at Rebound Physical Therapy! We offer specialized physical therapy treatments designed to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and help you regain control of your movement.
Schedule an appointment at our Boise, ID, and Meridian, ID clinic today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
