What is the Vestibular System?

It is a small system located within the inner ear which provides your brain with information to allow you to maintain a sense of balance and spatial awareness. The vestibular system responds to changes in velocity of movement and gravity. When there is a change in either of these factors, the vestibular system sends information to the brain where this information is integrated and a motor response is produced to allow you to maintain balance. If one side of the vestibular system sends more information, the opposite side will send less. This cohesive correspondence is crucial in assisting you to maintain a sense of balance and spatial awareness.

 

Why do I get dizzy?

If the information provided to the brain doesn’t match, you become dizzy. This is because the brain is receiving a contradictory message from the vestibular system. When this mismatch of information occurs, it is difficult for your brain to process the information as one half is incorrect. Due to this, people become dizzy and have difficulty with movement and mobility. The type of dizziness or sensation you experience will differ depending on the underlying cause of the dizziness.

 

Can Physiotherapy help me?

Yes, physiotherapy can assist in the management of vestibular conditions, especially if the dizziness / vertigo is set off by movements. A thorough assessment will be conducted by the physiotherapist to establish the cause of the symptoms. Depending on the condition or cause of dizziness you may require treatment from other health care professionals or referral for other investigations. Physiotherapy treatments for Vestibular Conditions may involve re-positioning techniques to reset the vestibular system, gait and balance exercises, habituation exercises to desensitise the vestibular system and eye-head co-ordination exercises.

 

What to expect:

At Synergy the Initial Appointment will be a 30 minute assessment to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Follow up Appointments will also be 30 minutes in length and will include treatment, exercise prescription and further assessment if indicated. Assessment will likely involve reproducing the vertigo symptoms to establish the cause of the dizziness. The assessment and treatment may aggravate your symptoms and we would recommend you allow 20-30 minutes after your appointment to sit in our waiting room to ensure your symptoms have completely settled. It is also recommended that you do not drive 2 hours after your initial assessment. 

 

Please call (07) 3211 8775 or click here to book online. Please make mention that you are booking for dizziness / vertigo. Thanks!

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