Vertigo is a physical sensation that everything around you is spinning, making you feel unsteady or off-balance. A bout can last a few seconds up to a few minutes. In severe cases it can go on much longer. You may feel light-headed and/or experience a concurrent humming, buzzing or ringing in your ears.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common type of vertigo which is triggered by certain head movements. People with BPPV will complain of the world spinning when laying down in bed; looking up quickly; or crossing the road. These symptoms will typically only last for about 1 minute. BPPV is treatable in 1-4 sessions of physiotherapy.
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based treatment programme which is specifically designed to reduce issues relating to imbalance and dizziness. It is a specialist area within physiotherapy, so it is important to choose a physiotherapist who is specialty-trained in this area.
Rachel Allen is a chartered physiotherapist that specialises in vestibular rehabilitation (the treatment of vertigo and conditions of dizziness and imbalance).
Rachel holds a certificate of achievement in Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, (NCPS). She is also a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Vestibular Rehabilitation (ACPIVR) and the ISCP Neurology and Gerontology special interest groups. She has completed further in-person and online courses on vestibular rehabilitation run by top specialists in the profession, and, as an undergraduate at Syracuse University (New York), Rachel also spent many hours shadowing vestibular rehabilitation in private practice.
Rachel regularly attends professional meetings and events, including the recent International Vestibular Conference: Assessment and Management of the Dizzy Patient held at St. James Hospital, which included a programme of learning from Consultants in neurology, gerontology, ENT (Otolaryngology), audiologists and clinical specialist physiotherapists.
Rachel has a passion for helping people recover from bouts of vertigo – she has seen first hand how much it can help people feel better. If you are worried about vertigo or it is still affecting you after a severe episode, or you still feel “off”, please make an appointment today and Rachel will be very glad to help you recover.
Other causes include: side-effect of medications, migraine, neck dysfunction, concussion, post-ablative surgery, or – on rare occasions – more serious issues such as a brain or heart problem.
Dizziness is common, and 4 in 10 people will experience dizziness in their lifetime. Causes vary, so it is important to seek advice from an appropriate medical professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
You do not need a doctor’s referral to attend.
If your symptoms have worsened recently, we suggest that you attend your GP or other specialist first before attending vestibular rehabilitation.
You can book an appointment quickly and easily using our online booking system. You are also very welcome to contact our Reception team by ringing 061-201444 or emailing info@midwestphysio.ie.
Patients attending this service are advised not to drive; we kindly ask that you arrange for someone to drive you to/from your appointment.
Yes, if you have a private health insurance policy, you may be able to claim back some of your physiotherapy costs. Policies vary in this regard, so you may wish to contact your health insurance provider for clarification prior to your treatment. If you are paying income tax you may also be able to claim physiotherapy as a medical expense through your tax return (formerly known as Med 1).
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