Vertigo is the sensation that you or everything around you is spinning- enough to affect your balance. It’s more than just faintness, it is a rotational dizziness.

Vertigo can often be caused by inner ear problems such as

·  BPPV: Short for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) float freely in canals of the inner ear.

·  Labyrinthitis: an inner ear infection that causes inflammation in the inner ear around nerves that are important for helping the body sense balance

·  Vestibular neuritis: an inflammation of the nerve of the inner ear called the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve sends balance and head position information from the inner ear to the brain.

·  Meniere's disease: This is an inner ear disorder thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear. It can cause episodes of vertigo along with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.

Vertigo can be a symptom of other conditions, and it can also have its own set of related symptoms.

• Balance problems,·        
• Motion sickness,·        
• Nausea and vomiting·        
• Headaches and migraines·        
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

 What treatments are possible?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised form of Physiotherapy used to help those suffering from vertigo, certain forms of dizziness and reduced balance. 

The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to retrain the vestibular system and brain to recognise and process signals about movement and orientation in space. It involves an initial assessment where a series of tests and eye movements are evaluated to make a diagnosis. 

There are specific treatments for some types of vertigo. A series of simple head movements known as the Epley manoeuvre is used to treat BPPV. Many people with vertigo also benefit from head/eye coordination exercises that helps reduce dizziness and improve balance.