Defining vertigo can be confusing as many people think of the popular movie title suggesting that it is a fear of heights.
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What is Vertigo?
The proper definition of vertigo is a sensation of movement causing one to feel as if he is spinning or swaying or that the room and things around him are moving when there is actually no movement. It is a disturbing feeling, and the most common type is called BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It has been seen that this type of vertigo often occurs after a person has experienced a head injury.
Understanding BPPV
Here are some interesting facts about benign paroxysmal positional vertigo:
- A drop attack is when a person experiences a severe vertigo attack and falls down as a result
- Age increases the risk that one will experience vertigo
- BPPV is not usually life threatening unless one is in a dangerous situation when an attack hits – such as on a high ladder or driving a car
- Women are diagnosed with vertigo more often than men
How Head Injuries Cause Vertigo
One cannot receive damage to the head without it also impacting the neck. Even if one is not knocked unconscious, the blow may be enough to cause the C1 and C2 vertebrae to move out of alignment. Since the brainstem is housed by these bones, the misalignment may cause stress on the brainstem and, in turn, the central nervous system. If the brainstem does not send the proper signals about where the body is located in its environment – vertigo is likely to follow.
How Upper Cervical Care Helps
Here at Balanced Living Chiropractic, we offer a gentle, precise way to care for these misalignments. We focus on encouraging the top bones of the neck to move back into place naturally. Once the misalignment is corrected, vertigo often becomes less intense or goes away completely.
To schedule a complimentary NUCCA consultation, call 248-831-0729 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.