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Although dizziness is one of the most common complaints heard by physicians, it remains one of the most ill-defined & most misunderstand areas of medicine.
Recent statistics show patients with vestibular disorders will see 4-6 doctors before receiving a proper diagnosis. Our physical therapists, at both Melrose and Woburn, are trained to use clinical decision-making to treat vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders. There are numerous types & sources of dizziness. We offer a complete and thorough evaluation that will help determine whether your symptoms are related to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular hypofunction, central/neurological, cervicogenic, or cardiovascular origin. At Fitzgerald Physical Therapy, we develop a personalized diagnosis-specific treatment approach to minimize functional limitations and improve symptoms based on your assessment.
Statistics
- Vertigo, Dizziness, & Unsteadiness rank among the most common reasons for medial consultation and referral to specialist care.
- Statistics demonstrate that >50% of accidental deaths in elderly are due to balance-related falls (Akin & Davenport, 2003).
- Furthermore, 85% of people aged 80+ years have vestibular dysfunction.
- Approximately 50% of people over the age of 65 have experienced BPPV, which is the most common cause of dizziness.
- 85% of all cases are caused by disturbances in the inner ear (vestibular system).
Why PT works for patient with Positional Vertigo?
The Vestibular system is your body’s sensory system found within the inner ear that is responsible for maintaining balance, coordination and awareness of spatial orientation. This system provides the brain with information about movement & position of the head with respect to gravity and inertial forces. BPPV is caused by the incidental displacement of octonia from the utricle into one of the semicircular canals. Our therapists are trained to used specific treatment procedures and positional maneuvers to lead the otoconia (crystals) through the canals and back into the utricle where it can be dissolved through normal agitation of the endolymph.
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