Vertigo can be a disconcerting and debilitating experience, even more so when it follows a head injury or bump. This sensation of dizziness, often described as a feeling that either you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when neither is actually moving, can be a result of disturbances in the inner ear or brain. This article aims to shed light on coping strategies for vertigo subsequent to a head bump.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Vertigo
When vertigo arises after a head injury, it's referred to as post-traumatic vertigo. The cause can be varied:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Tiny calcium particles become lodged in the inner ear, leading to short episodes of dizziness when moving your head in certain positions.
Labyrinthine Concussion: An injury to the inner ear which doesn't show up on conventional scans but results in dizziness and hearing loss.
Perilymph Fistula: A tear or defect in one of the small, thin membranes that separate the middle ear from the fluid-filled inner ear.
Coping with Vertigo
Immediate First Aid:
Stay Calm: Panic can intensify symptoms. Focus on your breathing, and try to remain as still as possible until the sensation passes.
Sit Down: If you're experiencing a vertigo attack, it's safest to sit down immediately to avoid falls.
Lifestyle Changes:
Reduce Stress: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate vertigo symptoms. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial.
Dietary Adjustments: Reduce intake of salt, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can aggravate symptoms in some people.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can sometimes trigger vertigo.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care:
Another therapeutic approach that has shown promise in treating vertigo, especially when resulting from a head bump, is upper cervical chiropractic care.
Understanding the Connection: The upper cervical spine, particularly the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and function of our body. Any misalignment in this area, especially following a trauma like a head bump, can disrupt the normal flow of neural messages between the brain and the body, potentially leading to symptoms like vertigo.
Precise Adjustments: Unlike traditional chiropractic treatments, which might involve more forceful manipulations, upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on precise, gentle adjustments to the uppermost vertebrae. These subtle movements aim to restore the vertebrae to their proper alignment, optimizing neural function.
Potential Benefits: By realigning the vertebrae, the body's natural healing process can be engaged. Patients have reported a reduction or even complete resolution of their vertigo symptoms after undergoing upper cervical chiropractic treatments.
Consultation & Care Plan: When considering upper cervical chiropractic care, the initial step is typically a detailed consultation, which includes a thorough history, examination, and, often, specific X-rays of the upper cervical region. If a misalignment is detected, a personalized care plan is formulated to address the patient's unique needs. Regular follow-ups help track progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Safety Precautions:
Avoid Sudden Movements: Especially just after waking up.
Use Handrails: When ascending or descending stairs.
Lighting: Ensure your home is well-lit to avoid stumbling in dim areas.
Clear Pathways: Remove clutter or potential tripping hazards from your home.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience vertigo following a bump on the head, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out more severe conditions or injuries. Seek immediate medical attention if:
Vertigo persists for more than a few days.
You experience other symptoms like double vision, hearing loss, difficulty speaking, or weakness in your limbs.
The head bump resulted in a loss of consciousness, even if only briefly.
Coping with vertigo, especially following a head bump, requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing lifestyle changes, therapeutic interventions, and potentially specialized treatments like upper cervical chiropractic care. By understanding the potential causes and remaining proactive in seeking out solutions, individuals can enhance their chances of managing or even eradicating this unsettling symptom. Always remember to consult with healthcare professionals to guide your decisions and ensure your path to recovery is both safe and effective.
How We Treat Vertigo
Dr. Gordon Elder, our resident chiropractor, is a seasoned practitioner of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This specialized approach to chiropractic care employs diagnostic imaging to gently adjust the upper cervical spine, rejuvenating the spinal column's natural functionality and kick-starting the body's inherent healing processes.
In addressing vertigo, Dr. Elder has devised a systematic two-fold strategy. Initially, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to discern if a spinal misalignment could be the root cause of their vertigo symptoms. This preliminary assessment typically spans about 25–30 minutes.
Should a misalignment be identified, a subsequent consultation will be scheduled. During this session, Dr. Elder employs cutting-edge 3-D imaging techniques to determine the precise nature and location of the vertebral misalignment. Once analyzed, a detailed report of the findings will be shared with you, providing a platform for open dialogue where you can address any queries or concerns about the impending treatment strategy with Dr. Elder.
To rectify the misalignment, Dr. Elder will employ meticulous and gentle adjustment methods, ensuring the vertebrae return to their optimal position. This not only alleviates inflammation but also paves the way for unobstructed nerve communication.
Post the initial realignment, a series of follow-up sessions will be charted out. Spaced at increasing intervals, these check-ins over three months aim to ensure the adjustments are sustained. Typically, within a span of 3-5 months, patients will have around 10 to 15 consultations with Dr. Elder.
Should vertigo be impeding your quality of life, we encourage you to reach out and discuss potential upper cervical treatments with Dr. Elder. Blair Chiropractic Clinic, nestled in Lubbock, Texas, proudly extends its services to Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.