One of the most frequently asked questions I come across as a vestibular therapist is the difference between dizziness and vertigo.
So what is vertigo? Vertigo means the illusion of movement. That can come from the brain, from one of the nerves going to and from the brain to the inner ear motion sensors, or even the motion sensor system inside the inner ear where we can’t see it.
Vertigo typically feels like a spinning sensation, but it can also be a rocking, swaying, or a bobbing sensation and that is something that I frequently have to deal with. In fact, most people over the age of 50 will experience this condition to some degree. There are varying intensities, some people have severe symptoms that can lead to nausea and vomiting, and other people that just kind of learn to move in a way that doesn’t trigger it and they just kind of go about their day.
However, most of them don’t know there is someone like me that takes care of dizziness, vertigo, and those inner ear conditions that can pester us as humans.
Another question a lot of people ask me when they come is, “how can I prevent this?” The inner ear, depending on what the condition is, there are some things that are correlated with vertigo of the inner ear like patients with low vitamin D levels. Another is patients that have difficulty controlling their high blood pressure and have to have their medications adjusted a lot. Also, people who have issues with their thyroid or migraines. These people are more apt to get dizziness, so we can’t really prevent it but we can treat it when it happens.
Do not hesitate to call me and schedule an appointment if that is happening. I want you to know you can live a higher quality life and you have a balance expert right here in Willmar, Minnesota.
(320) 318-8812
2800 South 1st Street
Suite 110
Willmar, MN 56201
Monday - Thursday 7:30 - 4:30
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