Vestibular Therapy Specialist
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Riverwalk Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy located in Bridgewater, Raritan, NJ
Repeated bouts of severe dizziness could be due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition of the inner ear. Peter Woghiren, DPT, and the team at Riverwalk Physical Therapy in Raritan, New Jersey, are experts in performing vestibular therapy to tackle the root cause of this condition and resolve your dizziness. If you're experiencing symptoms of BPPV, call Riverwalk Physical Therapy today or book an appointment online.
Vestibular Therapy Q & A
Why would I need vestibular therapy?
Vestibular therapy is a treatment for a disorder called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This condition is one of the most common causes of severe dizziness, especially among older people. It can lead to falls, head trauma, and auto accidents.
BPPV is a disorder in which small calcium particles in the inner ear become displaced, moving out of the gravity sensor that forms part of your inner ear's balance structure. The particles move into your rotation sensor, resulting in spinning sensations when you change position, for example, when you:
- Lie down
- Turn over in bed
- Bend down
- Tilt your head back
Other common symptoms of BPPV include unsteadiness, a sense of blurred vision, nausea, and neck tightness. BPPV symptoms range from a mild annoyance to being severely disabling.
In people over 60, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurs suddenly, often with no clear cause like an injury or illness.
How does vestibular therapy help with BPPV?
To alleviate your BPPV symptoms, your provider at Riverwalk Physical Therapy performs precise tests to determine where the displaced calcium particles are within the three rotation sensors of your inner ear.
Vestibular therapy involves moving the displaced particles back to your gravity sensors using a technique called particular positional maneuvering. Shifting the particles so they settle back where they belong or dissolve can resolve your BPPV symptoms.
Your provider performs vestibular therapy slowly and carefully, at your pace.
How effective is vestibular therapy?
Specific maneuvers used in vestibular therapy often provide immediate relief of your BPPV symptoms. Success rates for vestibular therapy at Riverwalk Physical Therapy are 80% after one session and 18% after 2-5 additional sessions.
Only a small percentage of people with BPPV require medication to treat their condition after having vestibular therapy.
Does vestibular therapy cause any side effects?
Vestibular therapy is typically safe, as it's noninvasive and doesn't involve any drugs. However, the diagnostic process and vestibular therapy itself can sometimes cause dizziness.
This dizziness is generally tolerable, but the Riverwalk Physical Therapy team recommends you arrange transportation to ensure your safe return home after the session. Some patients experience persistent sensations of dizziness after treatment, but this should pass.
If you're suffering from dizziness, find out if you have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and if so, how vestibular therapy can help. Call Riverwalk Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.