Vertigo Vestibular Rehabilitation Limerick
Mid West Physiotherapy is delighted to offer vestibular rehabilitation at our physiotherapy centre in Castletroy, Limerick. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialist physiotherapy service which addresses dizziness and balance problems such as vertigo. This service is delivered by vertigo rehabilitation specialist, Rachel Allen.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a physical sensation that everything around you is spinning, making you feel unsteady or off-balance. A bout can last a few seconds up to a few minutes. In severe cases it can go on much longer. You may feel light-headed and/or experience a concurrent humming, buzzing or ringing in your ears.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common type of vertigo which is triggered by certain head movements. People with BPPV will complain of the world spinning when laying down in bed; looking up quickly; or crossing the road. These symptoms will typically only last for about 1 minute. BPPV is treatable in 1-4 sessions of physiotherapy.
What is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based treatment programme which is specifically designed to reduce issues relating to imbalance and dizziness. It is a specialist area within physiotherapy, so it is important to choose a physiotherapist who is specialty-trained in this area.
Meet Rachel Allen
Rachel Allen MSc Physio is a chartered physiotherapist with a special interest in vertigo and dizziness and a member of ACPIVR. She has completed in person and online courses on vestibular rehab run by top specialists in the profession. As an undergraduate at Syracuse University (New York), Rachel also spent 1,000 hours shadowing vestibular rehab in private practice.
Most recently she attended the International Vestibular Conference: Assessment and Management of the Dizzy Patient held at St James Hospital where she learned from a number of Consultants in neurology, gerontology, ENT (Otolaryngology), audiologists and clinical specialist physiotherapists.
Rachel has a passion for helping people recover from bouts of vertigo – she has seen first hand how much it can help people feel better. If you are worried about vertigo or it is still affecting you after a severe episode, or you still feel “off”, please make an appointment today and Rachel will be very glad to help you recover.
Common causes of dizziness
Dizziness is most often caused by a disorder of the inner ear. The vestibular system is located here and is responsible for regulating balance and orientation. The vestibular system can become disturbed through age, injury or disease, and this can lead to issues with balance and dizziness. As well as vertigo, ou may experience symptoms such as:
- Imbalance (sometimes leading to falls)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating or reading
- Nausea
- Aversion to light, sound or motion
Other causes include: side-effect of medications, migraine, neck dysfunction, concussion, post-ablative surgery, or – on rare occasions – more serious issues such as a brain or heart problem.
Dizziness is common, and 4 in 10 people will experience dizziness in their lifetime. Causes vary, so it is important to seek advice from an appropriate medical professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral?
If your symptoms have worsened recently, we kindly request that you attend your GP or other specialist first before attending vestibular rehabilitation.
What should I expect?
Vertigo rehabilitation specialist Rachel will listen to your case history and conduct a thorough assessment using specific vestibular rehabilitation techniques. Together, you will create a management plan, which may involve a combination of the following; manual therapy, exercise therapy, a home exercise plan, education and advice.
How many sessions will I need?
True BPPV vertigo is treatable in 1-4 sessions of physiotherapy. For people with other unilateral, peripheral vestibular issues, progress can take around 2 months.
How much does vestibular rehabilitation cost?
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment quickly and easily using our online booking system. You are also very welcome to contact our Reception team by ringing 061-201444 or emailing info@midwestphysio.ie.
Can I drive to and from the appointment?
Patients attending this service are advised not to drive; we kindly ask that you arrange for someone to drive you to/from your appointment.
Can I claim back the treatment cost?
Yes, if you have a private health insurance policy, you may be able to claim back some of your physiotherapy costs. Policies vary in this regard, so you may wish to contact your health insurance provider for clarification prior to your treatment. If you are paying income tax you may also be able to claim physiotherapy as a medical expense through your tax return (formerly known as Med 1).
Where can I find out more information about vertigo treatment?
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has an excellent section on their website covering vestibular rehabilitation; click here to read.