Dizziness, Balance & Concussion

BPPV causes brief episodes of spinning triggered by changes in head position, such as rolling in bed, bending or looking up. Positional testing identifies the involved canal, and an appropriate canalith repositioning manoeuvre may be used.

Vestibular hypofunction means that one or both inner-ear balance systems are not working normally. It may cause blurred or unstable vision with head movement, imbalance and dizziness that can improve through gaze-stability and balance exercises.

Vestibular neuritis is an acute disorder affecting a vestibular nerve and can cause sudden, prolonged vertigo and imbalance. After urgent medical causes have been ruled out, vestibular rehabilitation may help with lingering motion sensitivity and unsteadiness.

Ongoing dizziness is not always BPPV. Symptoms may involve vestibular, neurological, cardiovascular, visual, medication-related or other factors, so screening and referral are important before treatment is selected.

Busy stores, scrolling screens, crowds or moving traffic can provoke dizziness or disorientation when the brain relies heavily on visual information for balance. Rehabilitation may use carefully graded exposure alongside gaze and balance work.

Cervicogenic dizziness is considered when dizziness is closely linked with neck pain or movement and other causes have been assessed. Care may address neck mobility, sensorimotor control and balance.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can affect thinking, sleep, mood, balance, vision, the neck and tolerance for activity. Early medical assessment and a gradual, symptom-guided return to daily activity are important.

Some people continue to experience headache, dizziness, neck pain, visual-motion sensitivity, fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance beyond the expected early recovery period. Assessment helps identify which systems may benefit from targeted rehabilitation.