FAQ
Below, are some of the most commonly asked questions about vertigo and its management.
Frequently asked questions about vertigo and dizziness
As physiotherapists focused on vertigo and vestibular health, we understand the importance of addressing common concerns and providing valuable insights to our patients. If you don’t see your question here, please feel free to get in touch — we’re happy to help.
Booking and preparation
Once you have booked an appointment (online or by phone), you will receive an email confirmation with details including the location, date, time, and what to bring with you.
If you are taking medication for your dizziness or vertigo, it is best to NOT take it the day of your appointment, but all of your other usual medications are fine to take. Please bring a list of your medications with you, and be prepared to share any relevant medical history with the clinician.
Understanding vertigo and dizziness
1. What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It is a specific type of dizziness where a person feels a false sensation of movement, even though they are not actually moving. Most commonly, it feels like the room is spinning or moving, or you are spinning, moving or tilting. Dizziness is a broad term (light-headedness, unsteadiness, faint feeling) whereas vertigo is very specific: a movement illusion. If someone says “the room is spinning when I turn my head”, that is vertigo.
2. What are the common causes of vertigo?
Causes of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, vestibular migraines, inner ear infections, acoustic neuroma, and certain medications. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.
3. Do I have vertigo?
A lot of patients wonder if they actually have vertigo. Remember, "vertigo" is not a diagnosis as such, it is a symptom, and there are many conditions that can cause vertigo. Vertigo isn’t just feeling dizzy, lightheaded, off balance or woozy - it’s a false sensation of movement, usually a spinning sensation but often it can be a horizontal or vertical movement of the world around you. Or you can feel like you are moving or tilting when you aren't.
Quick check — do any of these match what you’re feeling?
• Spinning sensation or a sensation of the world around you moving sideways or up and down (even when you are still)
• Triggered by getting in or out of bed, rolling in bed, looking up/down, or turning your head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems / veering when walking
• Eye symptoms (like jerky eye movements or difficulty focusing)
If yes, then vertigo is quite possible.
Diagnosis and assessment
4. How is vertigo diagnosed?
Diagnosing vertigo typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a trained Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist (usually a physiotherapist with a special interest and specific training in vestibular disorders). Assessment includes a review of medical history, obtaining a history of symptoms, a physical examination including balance tests, and possibly a hearing test. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans may also be required to rule out underlying structural issues.
5. Do you treat children with dizziness or balance problems?
Yes we do. Vertigo is more common in adults than children. You can find out more about about the causes, symptoms and management between the two on this page of our website.
Treatment and recovery
6. What treatment options are available for vertigo?
Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications to alleviate symptoms, canalith repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver for BPPV), vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) to improve balance and reduce dizziness, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.
7. Can vertigo be prevented?
While some causes of vertigo may be unavoidable, there are other vertigo-causing conditions that can be managed by medication, liftestyle changes, exercises, balance retraining and vestibular rehabilitation. One of the most common causes of vertigo, BPPV, can be treated with canalith repositioning maneuvers such as the Epley manuever, but not entirely “cured” because it does tend to recur in most people. But having the adequate knowledge about it, and knowing how you can treat it yourself, can make it much less debilitating.
8. Can vertigo go away on its own?
In some cases, vertigo may resolve on its own, especially if it is caused by a temporary condition such as BPPV or vestibular neuritis. Sometimes people can have BPPV for several months or even years however, which is unlikely to resolve without treatment. You do not have to live with it because it can be easily treated. If you have had vertigo symptoms for several days or longer, it pays to have an assessment. Or if you have acute vertigo that is causing you difficulty with walking, with balance, with visual focus, then please get medical advice as it may be a serious condition such as a stroke.
Safety and when to seek help
9. What should I do if I experience vertigo symptoms?
If you experience vertigo for the first time and you do not know why, it is essential that you seek medical attention, because some medical emergencies can cause vertigo, such as strokes. If you have frequent vertigo episodes or persistent symptoms, it may not be an emergency but definitely worth seeing a trained professional, preferably one specializing in vestibular disorders. They can conduct a thorough assessment, determine the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
10. Is vertigo a serious condition?
Vertigo is a symptom, and there can certainly be a serious cause to it. Sometimes strokes in the cerebellum, the area at the back of the brain, can cause acute vertigo, so it is important to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. Even if it is not a medical emergency, vertigo can still significantly impact quality of life and may indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention. It can also increase the risk of you falling and injuring yourself. Prompt evaluation and management are essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Appointments, fees and practical questions
11. Should I bring someone with me to the appointment?
Most people we see feel better after their appointment and are fine to drive home, but some do become unwell with the testing and treatment procedures and require someone to drive them home. If you are particularly sensitive to motion and nauseous, it may be best to bring someone to the appointment with you, just in case.
12. How much is a consultation?
For patients who are being seen privately: | |
Initial consultation (approx. 1 hour) | $180 |
1 hour follow-up consultation | $180 |
30 min follow-up consultation | $100 |
| |
For patients who are being seen under an ACC Claim: | |
Initial consultation (approx. 1 hour) | $100 |
1 hour follow-up consultation | $100 |
30 min follow-up consultation | $55 |
13. Can you file an ACC claim for me?
Yes, if you have had an injury which can be linked to your symptoms, we can file an ACC claim and your treatment will be partially covered by ACC.
14. Are you affiliated with other insurance companies such as Southern Cross?
No we are not affiliated with insurance companies but we can provide you with a full tax receipt following payment which you can send to your insurance company and if they cover physiotherapy input, they should be able to reimburse you. It may be good to check first, however, to avoid disappointment.
15. Should I take medication before I come?
You should take your usual daily medications (such as medication for blood pressure or cholesterol), but if you have been prescribed medication for dizziness/vertigo (such as Stemitil, Prochlorperazine, Cyclazine, Nausacalm, Nausafix), please try not to take it the day of your appointment. This is because this type of medication can affect the results of the tests and suppress the signs and symptoms of testing. You can bring the medication with you though, just in case you need it.
16. How long is an appointment for?
All initial consultations are booked for a full hour. Sometimes a little less time is needed, depending on the outcome of the assessment. We allow a full hour so that we have plenty of time to discuss your symptoms, complete a thorough assessment, provide treatment and also provide education about your condition. We don’t want to rush the care we provide!
16. Do you do home visits?
It is preferable to see you in the clinic where specialized equipment is available, however if a visit to the clinic is not possible for you due to mobility issues, or being particularly unwell and unable to travel, then a home visit is certainly possible. There will likely be an extra charge for travel time for home visits, depending on where you live.
We hope this page has answered some of your questions and helped you better understand vertigo and dizziness. If you would like further information or wish to book an appointment, please feel free to get in touch. We’re here to support you on your journey to wellness.
Ready to take the first step towards steady, confident movement?
Ph 0508 VERTIGO
0508 837 844
344 Otumoetai Road, Tauranga