Dizziness and vertigo

Daniel Smit | Physiotherapist

Understanding symptoms and how physiotherapy may help

Dizziness can feel unsettling and can affect walking, work, exercise and confidence. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. The pattern of symptoms and a careful assessment help identify what may be contributing and what support is appropriate.

What does dizziness feel like?

People use “dizziness” to describe several sensations: spinning or movement (vertigo), light-headedness or feeling faint, unsteadiness, or difficulty focusing the eyes while moving. You may also notice nausea, fatigue, headache, hearing changes or ringing in the ears. These experiences can overlap, so describing them in your own words is useful.

Common patterns and possible causes

Dizziness has many possible causes. Examples include inner-ear conditions, migraine, changes in blood pressure, medication effects and other medical conditions. A physiotherapy assessment can help identify a vestibular pattern, but it cannot rule out every medical cause.

Brief spinning with position changes

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause short episodes of spinning when rolling in bed, lying back, looking up or sitting up. It involves tiny inner-ear particles moving into a balance canal. Specific positional tests help confirm the pattern.

Persistent dizziness or visual blurring with head movement

A reduced inner-ear balance response can make head movement feel uncomfortable, blur vision during movement or affect balance. Vestibular rehabilitation may use individually selected gaze, movement and balance exercises.

Episodes with headache, light sensitivity or motion sensitivity

Vestibular migraine can include dizziness or vertigo, sometimes with headache and sometimes without. Medical assessment is useful, especially when symptoms are new or changing.

Light-headedness or feeling faint

Blood pressure changes, illness, dehydration, medication effects and other causes can contribute. These symptoms may need assessment by a GP or another medical professional.

How physiotherapy may help

Your physiotherapist will ask about what the dizziness feels like, when it began, how long episodes last, what brings them on, and any associated symptoms or relevant health history. Assessment may include eye movements, balance and walking, head movement, and—when appropriate—positional testing. If the symptoms suggest a medical cause that needs further investigation, we will recommend medical review.

Treatment depends on the findings. For confirmed BPPV, a clinician may use a canalith repositioning manoeuvre suited to the affected canal and side. For some inner-ear balance problems, an individual vestibular rehabilitation program may include eye-head coordination, graded movement, balance and walking practice. The program is adjusted to your symptoms, goals and safety. Exercises are not the same for every cause of dizziness.

What you can do while arranging assessment

• Sit or lie down somewhere safe if you feel dizzy, and allow symptoms to settle before standing.
• Move carefully when getting out of bed or changing position. Use support if you feel unsteady and reduce trip hazards around you.
• Do not drive, cycle in traffic, climb ladders or use machinery while dizzy or if your vision or balance is affected. Ask your doctor when it is safe to resume.
• Note the timing, duration, triggers and associated symptoms. Bring a list of medicines and recent changes to your appointment.

Seek emergency care now

Call 000 or go to an emergency department if dizziness occurs with sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side), facial droop, trouble speaking or swallowing, double vision or sudden vision problems, severe trouble walking or coordinating movement, confusion, or a sudden severe headache. Do not drive yourself.

When to seek medical advice

Arrange a GP assessment for new, recurring, persistent or worsening dizziness, or if you have a fall, fainting, new hearing loss, significant vomiting, or concerns about medicines. If you are unsure what to do in Victoria, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24. Call 000 for an emergency.

Physiotherapy at Strides Health Group

We provide individual physiotherapy assessment and care for dizziness and balance concerns. Your first appointment will focus on understanding your symptoms, checking whether physiotherapy is appropriate and agreeing on a safe plan. You may be referred to your GP or another health professional when needed.

426 Princes Hwy, Narre Warren VIC 3805 | 0411 876 851 | admin@strideshealth.com.au

Download the dizziness and vertigo handout (PDF)

Sources and further reading

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