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Vertigo vs. Vestibular Hypofunction: How to Know What’s Causing Your Imbalance

Marcos Jusdado - Dubai Physiotherapist

Introduction

Have you ever felt dizzy, like the world is spinning around you, or lost your balance for no apparent reason? These symptoms may be caused by issues in the vestibular system, located in your inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance, coordination, and spatial orientation.

In Dubai, more and more people are seeking help for vertigo or chronic dizziness. If you are looking for vestibular rehabilitation in Dubai, it’s important to differentiate between episodic vertigo and vestibular hypofunction, because the treatment differs significantly.

Vertigo vs. Vestibular Hypofunction: What’s the Difference?

1. Episodic Vertigo

  • Duration: seconds or minutes.
  • Typical Symptoms: spinning sensation, nausea, temporary imbalance.
  • Triggers: changes in position (lifting your head, turning in bed), sudden head movements.
  • Example: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), very common and treatable with repositioning maneuvers by a vestibular physiotherapist in Dubai.

2. Vestibular Hypofunction

  • Duration: persistent or chronic symptoms.
  • Typical Symptoms: unsteadiness while walking, mild dizziness with head movements, tendency to lose balance, fatigue when standing for long periods.
  • Common Causes: inner ear infections, trauma, surgery, post-COVID effects.
  • Importance: if untreated, it can affect daily mobility and increase the risk of falls. Specialized vestibular rehabilitation in Dubai can help restore stability and confidence.

How a Specialized Physiotherapist Can Help

vestibular physiotherapist in Dubai can:

  1. Assess your vestibular system: balance tests, eye tracking, and head movement evaluation.
  2. Apply repositioning maneuvers: especially effective for benign positional vertigo.
  3. Design habituation and strengthening exercises: tailored to your symptoms and activity level.
  4. Retrain balance and coordination: to restore confidence while walking and performing daily activities.

By working with a professional in vestibular rehabilitation in Dubai, you can improve your stability, reduce dizziness, and regain your independence.

Practical Tips You Can Apply at Home

  • Keep your home free of obstacles and well-lit.
  • Practice simple balance exercises: standing on one leg, walking in a straight line.
  • Avoid sudden head movements until advised otherwise by your vestibular physiotherapist in Dubai.
  • Stay hydrated and ensure sufficient sleep.

When to See a Specialist

You should consult a vestibular rehabilitation specialist in Dubai if:

  • Dizziness or vertigo persists for more than a few days.
  • You experience frequent falls or difficulty walking.
  • Symptoms worsen with everyday movements.

Vestibular rehabilitation in Dubai can significantly reduce dizziness and improve your balance, helping you regain confidence and security in daily life.

Need Professional Help in Dubai?

If you experience vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. As a physiotherapist specialized in vestibular rehabilitation in Dubai, I can evaluate your case personally and design an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Book your consultation today for expert vestibular rehabilitation in Dubai and regain your balance and quality of life.