When to Seek Medical Attention for Dizziness and Vertigo

Patients who frequently experience dizziness or vertigo should seek medical evaluation. Dizziness might result from simple causes like medication changes or incorrect eyeglass prescriptions. However, it can also indicate more serious conditions such as neurological disorders.

Vertigo is characterized by a sensation of spinning, rocking, or moving even when you are still. Symptoms of vertigo often worsen with head and body movement and can last from hours to days before easing.

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Where Do Dizziness and Vertigo Come From?

Dizziness and vertigo may occur independently or together, often stemming from issues in your inner ear and vision-tracking system. Dizziness arises from a “disconnect” between your visual tracking and your joints or muscles. Vertigo can occur if tiny crystals in your inner ear become dislodged, causing extreme disorientation, especially when moving your head.
The exact causes of inner ear disturbances are not always clear, but head injuries are among the most common triggers.

What Are the Main Symptoms?

Almost everyone experiences dizziness at some point, which causes disorientation and difficulty thinking clearly or maintaining balance. Vertigo includes these symptoms plus a sensation of spinning or shaking, making movement, driving, or daily activities challenging.

Dizziness

Dizziness happens when your brain’s sense of spatial orientation—how it understands your body’s position in relation to your surroundings—is disrupted. This can cause lightheadedness, wooziness, unsteadiness, or a loss of balance.

Balance

Your sense of balance depends on the coordination between your brain (central nervous system) and your sensory systems, which include:

  • Vestibular system: Located in your inner ear, with semicircular canals that detect head rotation and otolith organs that respond to gravity and motion.
  • Vision: Your eyes send signals to the brain about your position relative to objects.
  • Skin and joints: Pressure from your body’s movements sends signals to your brain, helping it understand your posture and position in space. For example, leaning back puts pressure on tissues in your legs and feet, signaling your brain about your orientation.

What to Expect from Physical Therapy in Council Bluffs

Your treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the cause of your dizziness or vertigo. Our expert physical therapists will assess your balance, reflexes, and movement patterns to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Many patients experience rapid relief through specialized head maneuvers that either reposition dislodged crystals (if vertigo is the cause) or help recalibrate your senses (for general dizziness). Often, significant improvement occurs within one or two sessions.

If further treatment is needed, your plan may include balance and coordination exercises designed to boost your confidence in movement, reduce symptoms, and minimize the risk of falls. These exercises also teach you how to maintain your balance long-term, reducing the likelihood of future dizziness or vertigo episodes.

Our certified physical therapists are experts in balance assessment and movement therapy. Call us today to schedule a complimentary balance and fall prevention screening.