Dizziness and Vertigo in Columbus

Regain Balance and Stability from Dizziness & Vertigo in Columbus
Do you suddenly feel like the room is spinning when lying down or turning over in bed? Do you lose balance performing routine motions like bending to tie shoes or reaching into kitchen cabinets? You’re not alone – over 35% of adults over 40 experience vestibular dysfunction, but fewer than 20% receive appropriate treatment. At our Columbus clinic, we’ve successfully treated patients with dizziness and vertigo, achieving a great success rate in eliminating or significantly reducing symptoms within treatment sessions.
Our Columbus vestibular rehabilitation specialists combine advanced clinical training from The Ohio State University with specialized expertise in neurological conditions and balance disorders. What sets our approach apart is our unique understanding of how psychological factors – including anxiety, fear of falling, and movement apprehension – directly impact vestibular recovery and long-term treatment success.
Why Columbus Residents Choose Our Vestibular Specialists
Advanced Training in Vestibular Rehabilitation
Our Columbus clinic is staffed by physical therapists who bring exceptional credentials specifically relevant to vestibular disorders and balance dysfunction:
Ohio State University Doctoral Training: Our team graduated from The Ohio State University’s prestigious Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which includes comprehensive coursework in neurological rehabilitation and vestibular system pathophysiology.
Psychology Background: Understanding that dizziness and vertigo often create significant psychological distress, our specialists include therapists with undergraduate degrees in Psychology. This unique background allows us to address the fear, anxiety, and movement avoidance behaviors that often perpetuate vestibular dysfunction.
Neurological Specialization: Our team has specialized training and passionate expertise in treating patients with neurological conditions and balance disorders, including vestibular migraine, post-concussion syndrome, and complex central vestibular disorders.
Humanitarian Clinical Experience: Our specialists have provided care in challenging environments and with diverse populations internationally, developing advanced clinical problem-solving skills and cultural competency that enhances patient care in Columbus.
Understanding Vestibular Disorders: Root Causes in Columbus
The Complex Vestibular System
The vestibular system controlling spatial orientation and equilibrium relies on seamless integration of multiple sensory pathways – your inner ears, eyes, and proprioceptive sensors throughout your body – all funneling information into specific brainstem areas that calibrate body positioning. When dysfunction occurs anywhere in this complex system, symptoms manifest in disruptive ways that can significantly impact quality of life.
Common Vestibular Conditions We Treat
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
The most common cause of vertigo, BPPV occurs when calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become displaced within the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This displacement upsets the vestibular system, provoking intense spinning sensations with specific position changes like rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending forward. Our specialized repositioning techniques can resolve BPPV in 1-3 sessions with 95% success rate.
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (neuritis) or inner ear structures (labyrinthitis) often following viral infections elicits severe room-spinning sensations, nausea, and vision alterations. Recovery typically requires 6-12 weeks of targeted vestibular rehabilitation to promote central nervous system compensation.
Vestibular Migraine
Approximately 12% of migraine sufferers experience vestibular symptoms including dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Our treatment approach addresses both the vestibular dysfunction and migraine triggers through specialized protocols developed specifically for this complex condition.
Post-Concussion Vestibular Dysfunction
Following head trauma, up to 81% of patients experience dizziness and balance problems. Our post-concussion vestibular rehabilitation program addresses the complex interaction between vestibular, visual, and cervical systems affected by traumatic brain injury.
Ménière’s Disease
Characterized by episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness, Ménière’s disease requires specialized management combining vestibular rehabilitation with lifestyle modifications and medical management coordination.
Advanced Diagnostic Assessment in Columbus
Comprehensive Vestibular Evaluation
Every Columbus patient begins with a thorough 90-minute vestibular assessment conducted by our specialized physical therapists. This evaluation goes far beyond basic balance testing to identify the precise dysfunction causing your symptoms:
Detailed Symptom History: Understanding exactly when, where, and how your dizziness occurs provides crucial diagnostic information. We analyze triggers, duration, associated symptoms, and functional limitations to guide treatment planning.
Positional Testing: Systematic assessment of head and body positions that provoke symptoms, including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver for BPPV detection and supine roll testing for horizontal canal involvement.
Oculomotor Assessment: Evaluation of eye movements including smooth pursuit, saccades, and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to identify central versus peripheral vestibular involvement.
Balance Testing: Comprehensive assessment using standardized tools including the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and sensory organization testing to quantify balance deficits and fall risk.
Gaze Stability Testing: Assessment of your ability to maintain visual focus during head movements, crucial for daily activities like driving and walking.
Psychological Assessment: Given our team’s psychology background, we assess anxiety levels, fear of falling, and movement avoidance behaviors that can perpetuate vestibular dysfunction.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Canalith Repositioning Procedures
For patients with BPPV, our Columbus specialists are expertly trained in multiple repositioning techniques:
Epley Maneuver: The gold standard treatment for posterior canal BPPV, with 95% success rate in our clinic when performed correctly by trained specialists.
Semont Maneuver: Alternative technique for posterior canal BPPV, particularly effective for certain patient populations and symptom presentations.
Barbecue Roll: Specialized technique for horizontal canal BPPV, requiring precise execution for optimal outcomes.
Lempert Maneuver: Advanced technique for complex BPPV presentations involving multiple canals or treatment-resistant cases.
Vestibular Adaptation and Substitution Training
For patients with permanent vestibular loss or ongoing dysfunction, our rehabilitation program promotes central nervous system adaptation through progressive, controlled exercises:
Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Progressive training to improve visual stability during head movements, essential for activities like reading while walking or driving.
Balance Training: Systematic progression from stable to unstable surfaces, eyes open to eyes closed, single to dual tasks, preparing patients for real-world balance challenges.
Habituation Exercises: Gradual exposure to movements and positions that provoke symptoms, promoting nervous system adaptation and symptom reduction over time.
Substitution Training: Teaching alternative strategies using visual and proprioceptive inputs to compensate for vestibular loss.
Psychological Integration in Treatment
Understanding that vestibular disorders significantly impact mental health, our Columbus team addresses psychological factors that influence recovery:
Anxiety Management: Teaching coping strategies for managing anticipatory anxiety and panic responses associated with vestibular symptoms.
Fear of Falling: Systematic desensitization to movement and balance challenges, rebuilding confidence in mobility and daily activities.
Cognitive Behavioral Techniques: Addressing catastrophic thinking patterns and movement avoidance behaviors that can perpetuate disability.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Training: Techniques to manage stress and anxiety that can exacerbate vestibular symptoms.
What to Expect During Your Treatment Journey
Phase 1: Immediate Symptom Relief (Sessions 1-3)
Our priority is providing rapid symptom relief, particularly for patients with BPPV who may achieve complete resolution within 1-3 sessions. For other vestibular conditions, we focus on stabilizing acute symptoms and beginning gentle adaptation exercises.
Phase 2: Progressive Rehabilitation (Sessions 4-8)
Systematic progression of vestibular exercises tailored to your specific deficits and functional goals. We gradually increase challenge level while monitoring symptom response and adjusting intensity accordingly.
Phase 3: Functional Integration (Sessions 9-12)
Advanced training incorporating real-world activities and situations that previously triggered symptoms. This includes practice with complex movements, busy visual environments, and dual-task activities.
Phase 4: Long-term Management and Prevention
Development of personalized home exercise programs and strategies for managing symptoms independently. We provide education on trigger avoidance, lifestyle modifications, and when to seek additional treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can BPPV be treated? BPPV often resolves within 1-3 treatment sessions using canalith repositioning techniques. Our success rate for BPPV treatment is 95%, with most patients experiencing immediate improvement following the first repositioning procedure. However, some patients may require multiple sessions or different techniques depending on which canal is affected.
Will vestibular rehabilitation help if I’ve had dizziness for years? Yes, even chronic vestibular dysfunction can improve significantly with appropriate rehabilitation. Our Columbus clinic has successfully treated patients with symptoms persisting for months or years. While chronic cases may require longer treatment duration (8-12 weeks versus 4-6 weeks for acute cases), the vast majority of patients achieve meaningful improvement in symptoms and function.
What’s the difference between dizziness and vertigo? Dizziness is a general term describing various sensations including lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint. Vertigo specifically refers to a false sensation of spinning or movement, either of yourself or your surroundings. True vertigo typically indicates inner ear (peripheral) or brainstem (central) involvement and requires specialized vestibular assessment and treatment.
Can anxiety cause vestibular symptoms? While anxiety doesn’t directly cause vestibular disorders, it can significantly worsen symptoms and prolong recovery. Our team’s psychology background allows us to address the complex interaction between psychological factors and vestibular dysfunction. We often see patients whose symptoms persist due to anxiety-related movement avoidance, which prevents natural adaptation and recovery.
Is it safe to exercise with vestibular problems? Under proper guidance, exercise is not only safe but essential for vestibular recovery. However, unsupervised exercise or inappropriate activities can worsen symptoms or delay recovery. Our specialists design progressive exercise programs that challenge your vestibular system safely while promoting adaptation and recovery.
How do I know if my dizziness is serious? Seek immediate medical attention for sudden, severe dizziness accompanied by neurological symptoms like double vision, slurred speech, weakness, or severe headache. For non-emergency dizziness lasting more than a few days or significantly impacting daily activities, vestibular rehabilitation evaluation is recommended to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Can vestibular problems affect my driving? Vestibular dysfunction can significantly impair driving safety, particularly during activities requiring head movements like checking blind spots or parking. We assess driving-related visual and balance skills and provide specific recommendations about driving restrictions and when it’s safe to resume normal driving activities.
Success Stories from Columbus
Testimonial: “The staff is wonderful. I cant say enough kind words. I rarely have bouts of vertigo now and I haven’t had to take antidizziness meds since I started. Their knowledge about my health needs is reassuring.” Suzanne T.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Don’t let dizziness and vertigo control your life. Our Columbus vestibular specialists have the expertise, experience, and proven track record to help you regain balance, confidence, and independence.
Call (614) 453-5722 to schedule your comprehensive vestibular evaluation today.
Email us at upperarlington@fyzical.com for more information.
Visit us at 2260 W. Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH, 43220
Licensed by Ohio State Board of Physical Therapy | APTA Member | Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialists | Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, and Columbus
Dr. Michael Conte, PT, DPT – Neurological Rehabilitation Specialist with Psychology Background – The Ohio State University Alumni