Dizziness treatment at Spire Hartswood Hospital

Dizziness can affect many patients and not all dizziness is caused by issues with the ear. For those where the issue is caused by the ear, the condition is known as vertigo.

Not all dizziness is caused by issues with the ear. However, if there is a sensation of movement or spinning it is known as vertigo and probably comes from the inner ear. Dizziness can also be caused by problems with the heart, joints, vision, brain, nervous system or blood, to name a few common causes.

Vestibular rehabilitation is the speciality concerned with the assessment and rehabilitation of people with dizziness and balance disorders. Vertigo and dizziness are not a diagnosis of their own, but a sign of something going on in your body that isn’t quite right.

Some common conditions that would respond to treatment from our specialist vestibular physiotherapists are:

• BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) this is a common cause of vestibular dizziness, where crystals are dislodged into your inner ear causing a spinning sensation with certain head movements. This can usually be treated in 1-2 sessions with our specialist physiotherapists by using certain manoeuvres to move the ‘crystals’ of your inner ear to the correct area
• Migraine, specifically vestibular migraine, is a common disorder treated and although this does take longer to treat, usually 6-9 months, when combined with; a Consultant Neurologists’ input; specific exercise therapy from a specialist physio to get the brain to ‘re-wire itself’ and management, treatment can be very effective in reducing symptoms and allowing your return to normal activities again
• Neck pain can also be a cause for headaches. However, these headaches are usually a ‘toothache’ type headache across the back of the head or across the forehead, with or without moderate dizziness. Physiotherapy can help to reduce/eliminate these symptoms
• Vestibular neuritis which is usually an onset of dizziness after the flu or infection and causing you to become bed bound for a few days fortunately people do not experience any hearing loss, people do experience vertigo, dizziness, unsteadiness and nausea
• Labyrinthitis is often triggered from a common cold or flu virus. As the labyrinth controls hearing and balance, any malfunction can cause the information it sends to your brain to be different from the information sent from your unaffected ear. These conflicting signals can cause vertigo and dizziness. Patients with labyrinthitis have problems hearing out of the affected ear
• Meniere’s disease (a rare condition affecting the inner ear) can also cause, episodic hearing, balance and dizziness symptoms and is degenerative
• Dizziness post-trauma

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

Why you might need vestibular physiotherapy?

You are not alone in your struggle with dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, vision problems, brain fog, and other debilitating symptoms of a vestibular disorder. 40% of people aged over 40 experience symptoms of dizziness and/or imbalance at some time but it can affect people of all ages. At Spire Hartswood Hospital we understand these symptoms may significantly affect your day-to-day life.

Although largely underdiagnosed and undertreated, in many cases, physiotherapy can relieve balance problems – often in a surprisingly short time. There isn’t always a cure, as each patient will have to adapt to lifestyle changes, for instance stress management, exercise and possibly diet, to keep their symptoms at bay.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

Assessment and treatment – Physiotherapy

Vestibular problems are notoriously difficult to diagnose as it is often a process of elimination and your symptoms may be a result of more than one disorder. Therefore, it can be common for a patient to consult four or more people over months, or even years, before they find a solution.

You can attend our Specialist Vestibular Service in the Physiotherapy department via a consultant, GP, or self-referral and through insurance or self-funding options.

We aim to provide the highest standard of care and attention in order to treat your individual needs and help to restore your confidence to return to your daily activities. We pride ourselves on treating our patients, not just their symptoms, and offer assessment and treatment of a wide range of disorders.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

If you are attending for Vestibular physiotherapy, a detailed medical history will be taken at your first appointment, followed by a thorough assessment. The assessment will take into consideration how irritable your symptoms are and we can measure your ‘base’ level and subsequent improvements. You will also receive expert advice and treatment that is tailored to your specific needs. We work closely with our Neurological and ENT consultants, so with your consent, our physiotherapists are also able to refer you for additional assessments if required. Our diagnostic facilities at Spire Hartswood Hospital include X-ray, MRI, and CT scanning. Your physiotherapist will also liaise with your GP (and consultant) during treatment as required and at discharge.

Due to the nature of the assessment and treatment, we ask that someone brings you to your first appointment. This is because the treatment may cause momentary dizziness. This will be explained to you during your treatment as appropriate.

Even after you've left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After treatment for dizziness, a follow up appointment may be required and ongoing monitoring / treatment may be recommended.

If you have any questions or concerns, we're here to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.