Vertigo and Physical Therapy
Vertigo and dizziness are two of the most common reasons people seek medical attention.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) in Maryland
The American Physical Therapy Association recommends VRT to help mitigate the symptoms of vertigo. Our chiropractic physicians have extensive experience treating both peripheral vertigo and central vertigo using VRT, along with physical therapy modalities.
Information on Vertigo
Peripheral Vertigo
Peripheral vertigo is the most common cause of vertigo in primary care. 93% of primary care patients with vertigo have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), acute vestibular neuritis, or Meniere’s disease. Also common is labyrinthitis, perilymph fistula, immune-mediated inner ear disease, and acoustic neuroma.
Central Vertigo
About 25% of vertigo cases are caused by central deficits. Most cases of central vertigo are due to cerebrovascular disorders, migraine, cerebellar disorders, MS, posterior fossa tumors, and neurodegenerative disorders. Treatment for many of these conditions may be warranted, provided the underlying cause has been identified and treated.
Treatment Options
For those with unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction who have vestibular deficit-associated impairments and functional limitations, the American Physical Therapy Association Neurology Section recommends vestibular rehabilitation.
A typical strategy is noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation and noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation, in conjunction with traditional vestibular rehabilitation therapy. This approach enhances the effectiveness of therapy and is likely mediated through the process of neuroplasticity in the peripheral and central nervous systems.
