Understanding Vertigo and Vestibular Disorders: A Guide to 1:1 Care at Hohman Rehab
Introduction
Dizziness and balance issues can dramatically impact a person’s quality of life, often leading to reduced independence and an increased risk of falls. Vertigo and other vestibular disorders are among the most common conditions causing these symptoms. At Hohman Rehab, our physical therapists specialize in addressing these complex conditions with a personalized 1:1 care approach, helping patients regain stability, confidence, and control over their lives.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you’re stationary. It’s a symptom rather than a condition itself and is commonly caused by issues in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which connects the ear to the brain. Common forms of vertigo include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Triggered by changes in head position, BPPV is caused by dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Meniere’s Disease: Characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus due to fluid build-up in the inner ear.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by a viral infection.
Other Vestibular Disorders
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a critical role in balance and spatial orientation. Dysfunction in this system can result in a range of disorders beyond vertigo, including:
- Vestibular Migraine: Causes vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues alongside migraine headaches.
- Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the labyrinth in the inner ear, leading to dizziness and hearing problems.
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD): A chronic condition characterized by unsteadiness and dizziness, often triggered by motion or busy environments.
- Age-Related Vestibular Decline: Natural degeneration of the vestibular system that can occur with aging, leading to balance issues.
Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders
Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness or spinning sensations
- Loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or motion
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Feeling unsteady, particularly in crowded spaces
These symptoms can significantly affect daily activities, making proper diagnosis and treatment essential.
Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. At Hohman Rehab, our physical therapists collaborate closely with referring physicians and use advanced assessment techniques to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Diagnostic steps may include:
- Clinical History: Understanding the onset, frequency, and triggers of symptoms.
- Balance Testing: Evaluating stability and coordination during specific tasks.
- Vestibular Function Tests: Assessing the inner ear’s response to various stimuli.
The 1:1 Approach at Hohman Rehab
At Hohman Rehab, we understand that vestibular disorders affect everyone differently. That’s why we use a 1:1 personalized care model to ensure each patient receives the attention and tailored therapy they need. Here’s what sets our approach apart:
Comprehensive Evaluation
Our first step is a thorough evaluation to determine the exact nature and severity of your vestibular disorder. This includes:
- Identifying triggers and patterns of dizziness.
- Assessing balance, gait, and posture.
- Determining how symptoms impact daily life.
Customized Treatment Plans
Every patient is unique, and so is their treatment. Based on the evaluation, our therapists design a plan that may include:
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For BPPV, these gentle head movements help relocate dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Exercises to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and enhance the brain’s ability to compensate for inner ear dysfunction.
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Techniques to improve focus and reduce visual disturbances.
- Balance and Gait Training: Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve coordination, reducing fall risk.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
As your therapy progresses, our therapists continuously monitor your improvements and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ensures steady progress and addresses any new or lingering symptoms promptly.
Benefits of 1:1 Therapy
The 1:1 care approach offers several advantages for patients with vestibular disorders:
- Individualized Attention: Therapists can focus entirely on your needs, providing detailed feedback and guidance.
- Faster Recovery: Personalized exercises target specific issues, leading to quicker improvements.
- Enhanced Confidence: Close interaction with your therapist builds trust and motivation, empowering you to participate fully in your recovery.
- Preventative Education: Learning techniques to manage symptoms and prevent future episodes helps maintain long-term wellness.
Preventing Vestibular Disorders
While some vestibular disorders are unavoidable, others can be prevented or managed with healthy habits:
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity promotes balance and coordination.
- Protect Your Ears: Minimize exposure to loud noises and seek prompt treatment for ear infections.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, hydration, and stress management support overall vestibular health.
- Practice Fall Prevention: Use proper lighting, remove tripping hazards, and consider assistive devices if needed.
Why Choose Hohman Rehab?
Hohman Rehab stands out as Central Florida’s leading choice for physical therapy due to our commitment to:
- Experienced Therapists: Our team is trained in the latest vestibular rehabilitation techniques.
- Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize your goals and tailor treatments to fit your lifestyle.
- Convenient Locations: With offices in Clermont, Ocoee, and our Apopka location, quality care is always close by.
- Comprehensive Services: From vertigo to chronic dizziness, we address a wide range of vestibular conditions.
Conclusion
Living with vertigo or a vestibular disorder can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. The dedicated team at Hohman Rehab is here to provide expert care and personalized support through every step of your recovery journey. Our 1:1 approach ensures that your treatment is as unique as you are, helping you achieve lasting relief and a better quality of life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with dizziness or balance issues, don’t wait. Contact Hohman Rehab today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step towards regaining control and confidence.
Reach out to our team to schedule an evaluation today!
(855)404-6908
- Clermont: 236 Mohawk Road, Clermont, FL 34715
- Ocoee: 11095 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee, FL 34761
- Apopka: 125 S. Park Ave., Apopka, FL 32703
Written By:
Dr. Katie Hohman
Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Founder
