Common Vestibular Issues
Physiotherapy for Vestibular Paroxysmia
Offering Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises that may improve your vestibular function.
The Vertigo Co
Support Starts With The Vertigo Co
Are you constantly experiencing dizzy spells? Is vertigo stopping you from doing what you love? Regular vertigo attacks may be a sign of Vestibular Paroxysmia, but there are treatments you can take that may help manage your symptoms.
At The Vertigo Co, we offer tailored vestibular physiotherapy in Melbourne to support your vestibular health. With our attentive care, you may be able to reduce the impact of your symptoms, correcting balance problems, dizziness and nausea.
What is Vestibular Paroxysmia?
Our vestibular system takes sensory information and creates our individual spatial awareness and balance. Vestibular paroxysmia is a rare disorder caused by chronic intermittent compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve by the anterior interior cerebellar artery (AICA) leading to brief recurrent attacks of vestibular symptoms.
Vestibular Paroxysmia may then result in vestibular dysfunction, usually in the form of short but potentially frequent vertigo attacks. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may experience up to 30 attacks a day, while others may only experience a few a year.
What is the treatment for Vestibular Paroxysmia?
First line treatment for Vestibular Paroxysmia is medication such as Carbamazepine for example which is typically prescribed by a Neuro-Otologist. If this is not successful a patient may need to undergo Microvascular Decompression Surgery followed by Vestibular Rehabilitation.
Identifying Vestibular Paroxysmia
Vestibular Paroxysmia may cause a variety of vestibular symptoms, but it is characterised by brief, spontaneous vertigo attacks usually longer than a minute and usually occurring multiple times per day, though multiple can occur close together. Some triggers can include head turning or hyperventilation but many occur without a clear trigger. Generally, between attacks individuals may feel completely normal.
Here are some additional symptoms that you may experience:
- A spinning or swaying sensation while not moving
- Wobbling vision
- Poor balance
- Unsteady gait
- Hearing loss on one side
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Aural fullness (a feeling of fullness in the ears)
the Vertigo Co
Targeted Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular paroxysmia rehabilitation is focused on improving your ability to manage your condition. While it may not treat the cause, you may be able to adjust your reactions to stay active.
Vestibular Function Testing
The first step to care is assessing your condition. By recording and assessing your eye and head movements, vestibular disorders may be identified. This may then be used to tailor treatments to suit your specific needs.
Balance Exercises
Balance exercises are designed to retrain your inner ear. By strengthening your muscles and teaching repositioning manoeuvres, you may be able to improve dizziness and reduce balance problems.
Habituation Exercises
Habituation exercises involve careful, repeated exposure to movements that may cause or increase your risk of a vertigo attack. For instance, bending or twisting may cause dizziness and loss of balance.
Gaze Stability Exercises
Often, people with vertigo experience blurred or wobbly vision. These exercises focus on training your eyes to hold steady as your head moves. This may reduce nausea, dizziness and vertigo.
Your Vestibular Paroxysmia Questions Answered
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is very similar to vestibular paroxysmia. However, rather than a compressed nerve, this is often caused by calcium carbonate crystals becoming loose in the ear canal.
With BPPV, rather than occurring randomly, vertigo attacks occur after certain head movements like getting out of bed, rolling in bed, looking up or bending over.
There are several disorders that could potentially be causing your vertigo attacks, from Vestibular Migraine to BPPV and more. At the Vertigo Co, we understand the different conditions that may be affecting you and may help identify the cause.
If you have been experiencing severe or frequent vertigo attacks, it is recommended that you seek out support. At The Vertigo Co, we’ll work closely with you. Whether you need support identifying your concerns or want a treatment plan tailored to your needs, we are here for you.
The Vertigo Co Difference
Personalised Treatments
Our physiotherapists tailor exercises based on your unique needs and preferences. With our support, you may enjoy the best treatment outcomes.
Trusted Experience
We've worked to treat a variety of conditions and vestibular disorders. With our tested experience, we may offer valuable advice that makes an impact on your life.
Quality Care
Our vestibular clinic uses only the latest technology, assessments and techniques to offer our patients the care they need.
The Vertigo Co
Experiencing Vertigo? We’re Here to Help
Vertigo attacks can be incredibly overwhelming, but the right care may be able to help you manage them. With tailored physiotherapy, you may improve your balance, reduce the impact of potentially dizzying movements and much more.
Contact our friendly staff today and book your first appointment with The Vertigo Co. We’ll walk with you on your Vestibular Paroxysmia journey.