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.
Common causes of dizziness
In most cases, dizziness is 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. You may experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Vertigo (see more information below)
- Imbalance (sometimes leading to falls)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating or reading
- Nausea
- Aversion to light, sound or motion
Aside from vestibular issues, other causes of dizziness include:
- Side-effect of medications
- Migraine
- Neck dysfunction
- Concussion
- Post-ablative surgery
- 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 the advice of a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Tell me more about 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.
What can I expect from physiotherapy?
Your physiotherapist will listen to your case history and conduct a thorough assessment using specific vestibular rehabilitation techniques. Together, you and your physiotherapist 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 much physiotherapy will I need?
True BPPV is treatable in 1-4 sessions of physiotherapy. For people with other unilateral, peripheral vestibular issues progress can take around 2 months.
Benefits of vestibular rehabilitation:
- Groups that receive vestibular rehabilitation within 2 weeks of an acute episode saw better long term progress and less compensation.
- 70-90% of people with unilateral peripheral vestibular loss improve with physiotherapy.
- Cochrane review shows significant improvements in dizziness and postural sway with vestibular rehabilitation.
Where can I find more information on vestibular rehabilitation?
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has an excellent section on their website covering vestibular rehabilitation; click here to read.
Can I book an appointment with you?
- Yes, Rachel Allen, vestibular physiotherapist, would be delighted to help you.
- To book an appointment with Rachel for vestibular rehabilitation please contact our reception on 061-201444 or emailing info@midwestphysio.ie.
- Also, we kindly ask that you have someone driving you to and from the appointment.
