Post Trauma Dizziness and Vertigo
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Post-Traumatic Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that can happen after a traumatic event like a car accident. These symptoms often interfere with daily life and can be very bothersome both physically and emotionally. Dizziness is a broad term that can describe feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or a spinning sensation. Vertigo, on the other hand, is a specific type of dizziness where there is a false sense of movement, often like the room or world is spinning or tilting.
Dr. Deryk Harting of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Florida, discusses post-traumatic dizziness and vertigo.
Both symptoms are linked to problems in the body’s balance system, which is largely controlled by the vestibular system. The vestibular system is the part of the inner ear and brain that helps control balance, spatial orientation, and coordinated movement. Any injury to this system can lead to dizziness or vertigo.
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and includes structures such as the semicircular canals and the otolith organs (utricle and saccule). These structures detect changes in head position and movement, allowing the brain to maintain balance. The brainstem and cerebellum also play important roles in processing balance signals and coordinating motor movements.
When there is a disruption to this system, like a car accident or another traumatic event, dizziness and vertigo can occur. For example, whiplash injuries often damage the head and neck, which then affects the vestibular system. While car accidents are a frequent cause of post-traumatic dizziness and vertigo, there are also other causes, such as:
- Cervical spine injuries
- Concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Medication related (sedatives or blood pressure medications)
- Head or neck fractures
- Migraine related vertigo
- Blood pressure fluctuations
- Stress and anxiety
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s disease
- Anemia
If you experience dizziness or vertigo after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention. Obtaining a correct diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and physical examination. To identify the cause, healthcare providers may recommend or perform several tests including:
- Vestibular testing to assess balance function.
- Imaging studies (MRI or CT scans) to identify structural damage to the brain or inner ear.
- Head and neck X-rays to check for fractures.
- Cognitive testing and neurological examination if a concussion is suspected.
- Audiometry or hearing tests may also be performed if inner ear damage is suspected.
Treatment for dizziness and vertigo depends on the cause. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy designed to help the brain and inner ear adapt to balance changes. Medications like anti-nausea drugs, antihistamines, or benzodiazepines can reduce symptoms. Chiropractic can also help if the neck is injured. The Epley maneuver is often used if vertigo is caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The maneuver is a series of head movements that can help reposition displaced inner ear crystals. If anxiety or stress is a factor, counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy may also be helpful.
In many cases, symptoms improve with proper treatment and rehabilitation. For example, people with mild concussions or neck injuries often have resolution of their symptoms within weeks to months. However, individuals with severe brain injuries or vestibular damage may require long-term, chronic management if their symptoms persist.
Post-traumatic dizziness and vertigo are serious symptoms that can affect almost everything from standing and walking to working and driving. While many people recover with appropriate treatment, seeking early medical advice and following a prescribed treatment plan are key to optimal outcomes. If you experience dizziness or vertigo after an accident, consult a healthcare provider to identify the cause and receive the appropriate treatment.
— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.
