Q. What causes dizziness?
Dizziness is often the result of a vestibular (or inner ear) disorder. The most common vestibular disorder is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This can occur as a result of aging or trauma, such as a car accident.

Q. How do I know if I have a vestibular problem?
BPPV is associated with dizziness that occurs with changes in position, such as rolling over in bed, reaching up for an object on a high shelf or bending over. Motion sensitivity, balance problems, vision problems and fullness or ringing in the ears are other symptoms of vestibular problems.

Q. What role can a physical therapist play?
A physical therapist would conduct an initial, comprehensive evaluation. Exercises may then be recommended for the patient to do at home. If the patient has more severe symptoms or balance problems, he or she may need to attend therapy one to two times a week. This helps ensure that exercises are performed correctly under the guidance of a therapist. If a patient has BPPV, a trained therapist can eliminate symptoms in one or two sessions, using specific treatment techniques.

Lisa Bernstein, MPT, who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation, was recently named Director of Outpatient Services. You can contact Ms. Bernstein at lbernstein@slrc.org