The role of the physiotherapist in vertigo and dizzines

Vertigo is a false sensation of movement of the person with respect to surrounding objects (commonly rotationally).

The symptoms are:

• Dizziness, spinning sensation, and anxiety.
• Instability and risk of falls.
• Nausea and vomiting

If the cause of vertigo is cupulithiasis or canalithiasis (due to accidents, etc.), the first thing we will do is the Brandt-Darof manoeuvre.

If the cause of vertigo is organic (loss of ability to capture stimuli, loss of vision, loss of sensitivity, usually related to aging), the first thing we will do is vestibular rehabilitation.

In either case, it is also useful for a physiotherapist to assess and treat the cervical spine, the base of the skull, the jaw, neck muscles … which are key points in the perpetuation of vertigo symptoms.

VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION

Vestibular rehabilitation is a series of exercises to compensate for the loss of faculties in the vestibular system and balance.

There are some of these exercises that are simple and that the person can do at home.

VISUAL EXERCISES

1. With the computer mouse, trace waves and follow the trace with your eyes.
2. Look at the text on the computer and going up and down.
3. Move your eyes left and right while looking at a panel of vertical black and white stripes.
4. Keep your eyes on a reading meanwhile you move your head.
5. Turn your head to one side and turn your eyes to the opposite side.
6. Pass the ball from one hand to the other, following the movement with your eyes.
7. Walk down a hallway with paintings at eye level, turning your head from side to side.

VESTIBULAR EXERCISES

1) Rotate with a rotary chair with the head straight and with the head flexed. Turn 10 times to the side and when you stop, fix your gaze until the feeling of dizziness goes down. Repeat on the other side.

2) Play bowling games.

3) Walk on uneven terrain.