What is Vertigo?

Definition:

A rotational sensation in which the patient feels as if he or the environment is rotating. The sensation often begins spontaneously, is episodic and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and decreased balance.

Facts:

Dizziness is the third most common complaint to physicians in an outpatient setting, regardless of age. Around 70 percent of people reporting vertigo/dizziness to their physician have a common peripheral vestibular disorder called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is an inner ear problem that is, usually, successfully treated with physical therapy.

Questions:

Have you been told: "Just avoid these provoking positions?" - Has it made you frustrated? - Are you limiting your activities because you may become dizzy?

Common Activities that may provoke dizziness include:

  • Getting out of bed
  • Lying down
  • Bending over
  • Looking up or reaching over head
  • Rolling to one side in bed
  • Unable to lie flat in bed (sleeps with two or more pillows to avoid dizziness)
  • May have reports of imbalance, lightheadedness and even falling

Getting Help

If you suffer from vertigo, ask your doctor to refer you to a vestibular-certified physical therapist.

Evangelical Community Hospital Rehabilitation Staff

Evangelical Community Hospital has a certified vestibular physical therapist located in our outpatient physical therapy department at 210 JPM Road on the third floor of the Ambulatory Surgical Center in Lewisburg.

This service is also found at Evangelical Community Hospital’s outlying outpatient physical therapy clinics at Selinsgrove and Middleburg. They are staffed with vestibular trained physical therapists who have attended continuing education courses in order to effectively treat you.

Rehabilitation Evaluation

Vestibular physical therapists have the training required to help identify inner ear pathology to effectively and successfully treat your symptoms.

If you feel you may benefit from a physical therapy evaluation, discuss this option with your physician. Why wait when help is just around the corner?

For more information regarding dizziness, contact our rehabilitation services located in Lewisburg at (570) 524-2600

 

Physical Rehabilitation