5 Misconceptions About Vertigo and Dizziness... (Home Physical Therapy NYC)

5 Misconceptions About Vertigo and Dizziness,
​(Home Physical Therapy NYC)

Vertigo and dizziness are common health conditions that often are misunderstood...

And, sometimes, these conditions are misdiagnosed.

Here are some common misconceptions and myths about Vertigo and Dizziness:

Misconception #1. Dizziness is always related to ear crystals. While benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of vertigo, it is not associated with symptoms of dizziness. There are many other potential reasons for spells of dizziness.

Misconception #2. Home remedies, like performing the Epley canalith repositioning procedure or flushing your ears, will fix the problem. Not only can this be harmful, it can cause more problems. Attempting to reposition crystals without instruction from your health care provider (such as your doctor of physical therapy) can cause the crystals to be moved incorrectly. There have been instances where patients have given themselves a concussion during the process or damaged their eardrums from flushing liquid into their ears.

Misconception #3. Dizziness is all in your head.Unfortunately, some people are told that their symptoms of dizziness or vertigo are not real or a result of mental illness. They are given advice to ignore it, and it will go away. Long-term dizziness and vertigo should not be ignored. Rather, a health care provider should treat these conditions.

Misconception #4. Antihistamines, such as meclizine, solve dizziness. Meclizine is used to prevent and control nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It works to block the signals to the brain that cause these symptoms. However, if you have recurring vertigo or dizziness, taking antihistamines is not a good long-term solution. Meclizine can make you feel drowsy, which results in many people falling asleep until the episodes are over. In this situation, the medication is covering the symptoms, but it is not treating the condition.

Misconception #5. You just need to deal with this because there are no long-term treatment options.Recurring vertigo or dizziness can significantly affect your life, such as missing social activities, or disrupting your abilities to drive or work. There is hope. Work with your health care team to identify the correct treatment option for you.

When To Get Help?
If you are reading this and you or your loved one is struggling with or is affected by vertigo or dizziness, they definitely should speak with a physician or a doctor of physical therapy. If you experience any dizziness symptoms that don't go away, you should consult with your health care provider who is experienced in evaluating and treating your specific condition.  They will ask you several questions and begin a gentle evaluation to figure out the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan to get you back to normal as safely as possible.  We conveniently travel to you and offer in-home physical therapy for vertigo and dizziness.  You can call us 24/7 at (646)-781-8884.

Call 24/7: (646)-781-8884