Is My Dizziness Caused by a Concussion or Vestibular Disorder?

Feeling lightheaded, off balance, or like you’re floating, spinning, or moving are all ways people describe dizziness. It’s one of the most common symptoms reported after a concussion, but a concussion is just one condition that can make you feel dizzy.

Dizziness can be caused by a variety of things, but the most common reason is a disruption in how the brain and the vestibular system communicate and function. The vestibular system is located in your inner ear and is primarily responsible for balance, perceiving motion, and controlling the motor movements of your eyes. This disruption of the vestibular system is responsible for the following four most common causes of dizziness:

  1. Motion sensitivity occurs when you move or change positions. For example, rolling over in bed, getting out of bed, and standing up may cause you to feel dizzy.
  2. Oculomotor impairments occur if your eye movements are impaired and movements of your eyes cause dizziness. If your eyes are not able to take in the sensory information around you secondary to impaired movements, that may result in dizziness. For example, you may get dizzy while reading or watching something that is moving quickly around you.
  3. Poor gaze stabilization results in the inability to keep your eyes fixed on an object while your head is moving. For example, you may get dizzy when you are up and moving around, move your head quickly, or feel like your eyes can’t keep up with your head movements.
  4. Visual motion sensitivity happens when your eyes are unable to interpret a lot of visual sensory information resulting in dizziness. For example, riding in a car, watching anything move quickly, being in a grocery store, or looking at patterns on carpets or walls may make you feel uncomfortable or dizzy.

This list includes the most common causes of dizziness, but not all of the possible causes. All of the above impairments are treatable. The concussion and vestibular specialists at Sheltering Arms Institute are specifically trained on assessments and treatment strategies to address all of the above impairments as well as other possible causes of your symptoms.

To learn more about how we can help you determine the underlying cause(s) of your dizziness and/or balance disorder, visit our Vestibular & Balance Therapy page. If you think you or a loved one are suffering from one or more of the above impairments, please call (804) 764-1000 or click here to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with one of our therapists.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Top 3 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis. It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Learn exercises to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

Avocado toast with turkey bacon and tomato

5 No-Egg Healthy Breakfast Ideas​

As many of you may know, there’s been an ongoing egg shortage due to the bird flu, which has significantly impacted egg prices — up by more than 50% from last year. While this may have made your usual breakfast routine a bit more challenging, fear not! There are plenty of other protein-rich options to fuel your day.

Q&A: What to Expect When Facing an Upper or Lower Limb Amputation

In the United States alone, approximately 185,000 amputations occur each year, and 2 million people are living with limb loss. In recognition of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this article addresses common questions surrounding limb loss, from the reasons for amputation to returning to favorite activities following surgery. An amputation is the surgical removal of part of the body, usually an arm or leg. There are three main reasons for amputation.

The Interdisciplinary Approach in Rehabilitation to Multiple Sclerosis Care

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million people in the United States alone. MS is an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin insulation that surrounds the nerves in the central nervous system. This damage causes widespread symptoms varying in severity, including fatigue, weakness, sensation loss, visual impairments, and walking and balance impairments. These symptoms of MS can impact someone’s mobility, quality of life, ability to work and provide for their family, relationships, and community participation. Because these symptoms can impact so many aspects of a person’s life, a rehabilitative care team should consist of multiple disciplines that work together to provide a collaborative, all-encompassing care plan, called interdisciplinary care.

9 Ways to Improve Sleep After a Concussion

After a concussion, there are a lot of common misconceptions about sleep. Mainly, is it safe to sleep following this mild traumatic brain injury? The answer is yes – it is okay to sleep after a concussion! This misconception stems from an out-of-date recommendation to wake the person up every hour to check on them. However, that is only if there is concern about the risk for a brain hemorrhage or bleed that wasn’t immediately apparent.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.