Can YouTube cure my Vertigo?

YouTube may be a good source of reference for many “do-it-yourselfers.” In fact, it helped me perform a minor repair on my broken dryer. However, when it comes to the treatment of your vertigo, YouTube is not the answer. Quite frequently a patient will come to me and report that they viewed the “Epley” maneuver on the internet. It's important to know that not all vertigo is the same. Only true benign positional paroxysmal vertigo or BPPV will respond to any maneuvers you would view on the internet. In the event you truly do have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, performing maneuvers without the guidance of a trained professional may actually make your symptoms worse.

In reality, vertigo has many causes. The cause of your vertigo can only be determined by evaluating your symptoms. While vertigo may not be the sign of a serious health problem, it is important to be evaluated by your doctor. Once you are evaluated by your doctor, he or she can prescribe physical therapy to get to the root of your problems. Through expert evaluation by your physical therapist, including what provokes your vertigo, a treatment plan will be developed to help alleviate your symptoms. Normally it takes several treatments to become symptom-free however you may experience significant relief after your first session.

Vertigo can be described as a sudden spinning sensation. Most often it is due to a problem with your inner ear. The structures of the inner ear are safely embedded within the bones of the skull. You may be surprised to know that the entire structure is so small it actually fits on a dime. The inner ear has three semicircular canals that help with positional sense. It's amazing that a problem with such a small structure can cause so much misery. In someone with true benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, tiny bio-crystals get lodged in the semicircular canals. We all have these tiny bio crystals and our bodies dispose of them naturally. Unfortunately, at times, these bio crystals can get stuck in your semicircular canal causing you to feel spinning with certain movements. With the help of a trained physical therapist, these crystals can be moved out of the semicircular canal.

Other causes of vertigo can be resolved on their own. However, if medical treatment with steroids and antibiotics do not relieve your symptoms, physical therapy could be the answer. When the inner ear is not working properly activities of daily living can be severely compromised. A physical therapist can prescribe the proper exercises to help the inner ear work at its best. Allied Services has several highly trained physical therapists and occupational therapists that specialize in the treatment of vertigo and the use of specialized rehab technology for vertigo treatment.

Learn more: At Allied Services and Heinz Rehab’s Balance Programs, specially trained therapists help patients improve balance, decrease dizziness, minimize falls and reduce their need for medication and improve activity levels. Using the latest advancements in technology coupled with knowledge and help from experts trained in vestibular rehabilitation, our team will develop a program specifically tailored to your needs.

• Click here to learn more about treatment options. 
• Find a Vestibular Specialist at Allied Services by clicking here.
• Speak with an admissions coordinator about accessing treatment for Vertigo at 570.348.1360 or 570.826.3900

About the Author: After graduating from the University of Scranton in 1994, Michelle Hyde, PT, joined Allied Services, working in the inpatient rehabilitation hospital. In 1997, she receive her Neuro-Development Training Certification and primarily worked with Stroke and other Neurological patients. In 2011, Michelle became LSVT Big Certified for the treatment of persons with Parkinson’s Disease. In 2016, she transferred to Outpatient Physical Therapy where she now specializes in the treatment of neurological disorders including Vertigo, Vestibular Disorders, Concussion, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis.