
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or moving when you are still. It can be caused by benign positional vertigo (BPPV), inner-ear conditions, migraine, medication effects or less common neurological causes. New severe dizziness with chest pain, fainting, severe headache, weakness, double vision or speech changes needs urgent medical care.
Vestibular physiotherapy uses a detailed history and specific tests to understand whether head position, eye movement or walking balance triggers symptoms. For appropriate BPPV cases, a clinician may use repositioning manoeuvres. Other problems may benefit from gaze-stability, habituation and balance exercises.
The correct treatment depends on the cause. Generic online manoeuvres may be unsuitable for some people, particularly those with neck problems or a different source of dizziness. A proper assessment is the safest starting point.
Key points
- Dizziness has several causes, so assessment matters before treatment.
- Vestibular exercises are tailored to the symptoms and physical findings.
- Balance training can improve confidence with walking, turning and busy environments.
Practical tips
- Move slowly and use support when symptoms are active.
- Keep a brief diary of triggers, duration and associated symptoms.
- Stay hydrated and discuss medication changes with your doctor rather than stopping medicines yourself.
Conclusion
Dizziness can be unsettling, but many causes respond well to the right assessment and rehabilitation. Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms and professional guidance for persistent imbalance.
Frequently asked questions
Can physiotherapy help positional vertigo?
For confirmed BPPV, clinician-guided repositioning manoeuvres can be very effective. Not every type of dizziness is BPPV, so assessment is important.
How long does vestibular rehabilitation take?
Some positional vertigo improves quickly, while balance and vestibular adaptation programmes may take several weeks of regular practice.
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