Symptoms of vertigo stem from various causes. The most common are Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Cervicogenic. BPPV is an inner ear condition that causes short episodes of dizziness and spinning, often triggered by changes in head position. It happens when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become dislodged from their usual spot in the ear and move into one of the inner ear’s fluid-filled semicircular canals. This movement sends incorrect signals to the brain about head position, leading to a false sense of movement. Treatment consists of slow movements to dislodge the crystals.
The Epley Manouvre is a very effective technique for two of the three canals and for the majority of BPPV cases. A simple test will determine if your vertigo is likely to respond. The Liberatory Semont and Dix-Hallpike manoeuvres are also effective for treatment of BPPV. Patients can be taught to perform these manoeuvres at home.
Cervicogenic or neck driven dizziness responds well to manual therapy. Statistically Chiropractors are the most effective practitioners when the cause is due to cervical spine dysfunction. They are traditionally not as effective when the cause isn’t cervicogenic as many may not be open minded to other causes and how to manage these situations differently. Hopefully this is changing.
Other causes of vertigo and dizziness include migraine, motion sickness, Mal de debarqument, Meniere’s, orthostatic hypertension, anxiety disorders, bilateral vestibulopathy, vestibular paroxysmia, vestibular neuritis, cerebral ataxia, stroke, TIA, vasovagal and cardiac issues. These causes combined represent less vertigo and dizziness than the major causes of BPPV and cervicogenic. Differentiation of vertigo and dizziness diagnosis is largely made in the history taking process. Treatment is specific to the diagnosis.