Dizziness

Feeling dizzy can be frightening. Many people worry that something serious is wrong, wonder if the dizziness will ever go away, or feel anxious about how it will affect their work, driving or daily life.

The good news is that most causes of dizziness can be diagnosed and treated. At Advanced Neuro Rehab, our experienced Vestibular Physiotherapists specialise in assessing dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders to identify the cause of your symptoms and provide the most effective treatment.

Whether your dizziness started suddenly, developed gradually or has been affecting you for months or even years, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and guide you towards recovery.

What is Dizziness?

“Dizziness” is a broad term that people use to describe many different sensations. Because everyone’s experience is different, it can sometimes be difficult to explain exactly how you feel.

You may describe your symptoms as:

• Vertigo or the room spinning
• Feeling off balance or unsteady
• Light-headedness
• Motion sensitivity
• A floating or rocking sensation
• Feeling like you’re walking on a boat
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Feeling detached or “not quite right”
• Feeling like your head is in a fishbowl
• Feeling like your brain is sloshing around inside your head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Neck pain or headaches
• Dizziness when rolling over in bed
• Dizziness when looking up or bending down
• Dizziness when standing up
• Feeling overwhelmed in supermarkets, shopping centres or busy environments

The way your dizziness feels, when it occurs and what triggers it gives us valuable clues about what may be causing your symptoms.

What Causes Dizziness?

There are many possible causes of dizziness. Some conditions affect the inner ear (vestibular system), while others may involve the brain, neck, migraine or other medical conditions.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Vestibular Neuritis
• Labyrinthitis
• Vestibular Migraine
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
• Concussion and post-concussion syndrome
• Balance disorders
• Meniere’s Disease
• Neck-related dizziness (Cervicogenic Dizziness)

Your symptoms may begin:

• Suddenly with a severe vertigo attack
• After a viral illness
• Following a concussion or head injury
• After a whiplash or neck injury
• Gradually over weeks or months

Because dizziness can occasionally be a symptom of a more serious medical condition such as a stroke, sudden severe dizziness should always be medically assessed, particularly if accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

How Can Dizziness Affect Your Life?

Dizziness doesn’t just affect your balance – it can affect every aspect of your life.

Many people begin avoiding activities they once enjoyed because they’re worried about becoming dizzy or falling.

You may notice:

• Reduced confidence walking or exercising
• Difficulty driving
• Avoiding shopping centres or busy environments
• Reduced work performance or needing time off work
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased fatigue
• Reduced social activities
• Fear of falling
• Anxiety about when the next episode will occur

Living with ongoing dizziness can also impact your mental wellbeing. It’s common to feel frustrated, anxious or uncertain when symptoms persist, especially if you haven’t received a clear explanation for why you’re feeling this way.

The good news is that many vestibular conditions respond extremely well to treatment once the correct diagnosis has been made.

How Can Vestibular Physiotherapy Help?

Vestibular Physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on treating dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.

The first step is understanding exactly what is causing your symptoms.

At Advanced Neuro Rehab, we perform a comprehensive assessment to identify the underlying cause of your dizziness. From there, we develop an individual treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and goals.

Treatment may include:

• Vertigo repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV
• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
• Balance retraining
• Gaze stability and vision exercises
• Walking and mobility training
• Neck treatment and exercises
• Return to sport or work programs
• Home exercise programs
• Education to help you understand and manage your symptoms

Many vestibular conditions improve significantly with the right treatment. For example, BPPV—the most common cause of vertigo—can often be successfully treated in one or two sessions.

Why Choose Advanced Neuro Rehab?

At Advanced Neuro Rehab, dizziness and vestibular disorders are one of our key areas of expertise.

Our Vestibular Physiotherapists have extensive experience assessing and treating people with dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders of all ages.

We provide:

• Comprehensive vestibular assessments
• Evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation
• Individualised treatment plans
• Home exercise programs tailored to your condition
• Communication with your GP, neurologist or other healthcare providers when required

Our clinicians are actively involved in vestibular education and research and have trained physiotherapists nationally and internationally. We combine the latest evidence with a compassionate approach to help you understand your symptoms and regain confidence in your everyday life.

Even if you’ve been experiencing dizziness for years or have previously been told “nothing can be done,” it is worth seeking another assessment. Many people are surprised to learn that effective treatment options are available.

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Attention?

While most causes of dizziness are not life-threatening, you should seek urgent medical attention if your dizziness is accompanied by:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in your face, arm or leg
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Double vision
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden hearing loss
• Severe headache unlike anything you’ve experienced before
• Sudden unexplained falls

These symptoms require immediate medical assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see a physiotherapist for dizziness?

Yes. If your dizziness is related to the inner ear, balance system or certain neurological conditions, a Vestibular Physiotherapist can assess the cause of your symptoms and provide evidence-based treatment to reduce dizziness and improve balance.

Can physiotherapy help vertigo?

Yes. Vestibular Physiotherapy is highly effective for many causes of vertigo, particularly Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis and ongoing balance problems.

Why do I feel dizzy when I roll over in bed?

This is a common symptom of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), where tiny crystals within the inner ear become displaced. Fortunately, this condition can usually be treated quickly with specific repositioning manoeuvres.

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

Vestibular Rehabilitation is a specialised form of physiotherapy that uses exercises to improve balance, reduce dizziness, retrain the brain to adapt to vestibular disorders and help you return to normal daily activities.

Can dizziness last for months?

Yes. Some vestibular conditions, migraine, concussion and Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) can cause symptoms that last for months if left untreated. A thorough assessment can help determine the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment.

Do I need a referral to see a Vestibular Physiotherapist?

No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with our Vestibular Physiotherapists. However, we regularly communicate with your GP, neurologist or other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care where appropriate.