Dizziness and Vertigo Post-MVA: How Neurological Rehab Can Help

 Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs) can lead to a range of injuries, and while visible injuries like whiplash or fractures are often immediately apparent, internal or less obvious issues can also arise. Among these, persistent dizziness and vertigo are surprisingly common and profoundly disruptive symptoms that often emerge after a collision. If you're experiencing spinning sensations, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness following a car accident, In Step Physiotherapy offers specialized Neurological and Vestibular Rehabilitation to accurately diagnose and effectively treat the underlying causes of your Motor vehicle accident physiotherapy Edmonton.

The Complex Causes of Post-MVA Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo after an MVA can stem from several sources, often in combination:

Whiplash-Associated Disorders: The sudden, forceful jolt of a whiplash injury can affect the delicate structures of the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and the proprioceptive (body awareness) sensors. This can lead to cervicogenic dizziness, where neck movement or posture triggers unsteadiness or disorientation.

Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI): Even a seemingly minor head impact or sudden acceleration/deceleration can cause a concussion. Dizziness, imbalance, and motion sensitivity are hallmark symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, directly resulting from disruptions to the brain's processing of balance information.

Vestibular System Damage: The inner ear, housing the vestibular organs responsible for balance and spatial orientation, can be directly affected by trauma. This can lead to conditions like:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Where tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and float into the wrong canals, causing brief, intense spinning sensations with head movements. This is common after head trauma.

Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear labyrinth, which can cause sudden, severe vertigo and imbalance.

Vestibular Migraine: A pre-existing migraine condition might be triggered or exacerbated by the stress and trauma of an MVA, leading to episodes of dizziness or vertigo, often without a headache.

How In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton Can Help

At In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton, our team of expert neurological and vestibular physiotherapists are highly skilled in assessing and treating the multifaceted causes of post-MVA dizziness and vertigo. Our comprehensive approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan:

Thorough Neurological and Vestibular Assessment:

We conduct an in-depth evaluation that goes beyond standard physical tests. This includes:

Assessment of eye movements (vestibulo-ocular reflex) using specialized tools like infrared Frenzel goggles to detect subtle abnormalities.

Balance and gait analysis.

Positional testing to identify conditions like BPPV.

Evaluation of neck mobility and sensation to rule out or identify cervicogenic causes.

Screening for post-concussion symptoms.

Targeted Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT):

For inner ear and balance system dysfunctions, our VRT programs include:

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (e.g., Epley Maneuver): Highly effective for BPPV, these specific head movements guide dislodged crystals back into their correct location, often providing rapid relief.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Designed to improve visual stability during head movements, reducing blurry vision and dizziness.

Habituation Exercises: Gradually exposing you to movements or visual stimuli that provoke dizziness to desensitize your brain over time.

Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation:

If your dizziness is linked to a concussion, our neurological physiotherapists incorporate strategies to:

Manage symptoms like dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and cognitive fog.

Retrain balance and coordination impacted by brain injury.

Gradually reintroduce activity to promote recovery and safe return to daily routines.

Cervicogenic Dizziness Treatment:

When neck injuries contribute to your dizziness, we utilize:

Manual Therapy: Gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue techniques to restore neck mobility and reduce muscle tension.

Therapeutic Exercises: Specific exercises to strengthen neck muscles and improve proprioception, helping your brain better interpret signals from your neck.

Balance and Gait Retraining:

Regardless of the specific cause, improving your overall balance and stability is a core focus. We use progressive exercises and functional training to enhance your confidence and reduce your risk of falls.

At In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton, we are dedicated to helping you regain your equilibrium and move past the debilitating effects of post-MVA dizziness and vertigo. Our expert neurological and vestibular physiotherapists are equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide precise diagnosis and effective, personalized rehabilitation, empowering you to step confidently back into life.

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