In this blog, I share seven reasons to seek professional vertigo help without delay.
1. No Fun
First of all, having vertigo is no fun at all. This is the most obvious reason to seek professional vertigo help, but I thought I would still mention it. The “fun meter” definitely hits zero really fast when you are living with vertigo.
2. Watch and Wait may be Too Late
Many people try to “wait it out,” and there is some evidence to support a “wait and see” approach. But I don’t recommend this approach because there is more powerful evidence and very extensive research proving the effectiveness and success of professional vertigo help from the right provider.
You see, statistically only about 30-40% of people with vertigo have a spontaneous resolution of symptoms, and this resolution of symptoms without professional vertigo help often takes months to years.
If you do the math, this means that 60-70% – or the majority of people suffering with vertigo – will need to seek professional vertigo help or live with vertigo for the rest of their lives.
3. Fall risk and Injury Prevention
In the meantime, while you are either waiting with the hope to be part of the 30-40% of sufferers who are lucky enough to have a spontaneous resolution of vertigo, or while you are waiting to see a qualified provider, you are at a higher risk of falling due to vertigo symptoms.
Falling is humiliating enough, but the danger of serious injury is too high to risk. In older adults, 20-30% of people who fall will sustain a moderate to severe injury which prevents them from ever returning home or living alone again. These potentially life-threatening injuries include hip or pelvis fractures, brain bleeds, or fractures of the spinal column resulting in permanent paralysis.
Unfortunately, I do meet people regularly who did not seek professional vertigo help and have found that they also sustained mild to moderate injuries from falls like skin tears, bruises, scraped knees or elbows, and fractured wrists or hands. These injuries cause pain and suffering that they might have avoided if they had sought out professional vertigo help without delay.
When I work with uninjured people who have delayed seeking professional vertigo help and have experienced multiple falls in the meantime, I often tell them how lucky they are not to have been seriously injured.
4. Mental and Emotional Impact
The mental health implications of living with chronic dizziness or vertigo cannot be under-estimated. Not everyone who have dizziness or vertigo develops mental health problems, but not seeking professional vertigo help often worsens pre-existing diagnosed panic attacks, anxiety, PTSD and depression issues.
Some people who have no history of mental or emotional problems develop persistent and overwhelming feelings of nervousness, confusion, hopelessness, and even frustration or anger, after delaying care or seeking out care by those who are not vertigo professionals.
All of the cases can escalate to suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts in people with vertigo who have lost all hope.
That’s why I recommend for people with vertigo to seek out professional vertigo help from a a established professional without delay, and possibly also mental health services if needed for a complete recovery.
5. Quality of Daily Life
Vertigo has a great impact on day-to-day living, such as the ability to work, to drive, and to exercise. Many people with vertigo have to reduce their work schedule, or quit their job altogether to either go on disability or find a new career that does not provoke their symptoms on a daily basis.
I just spoke with a new patient last night who said, “I’ve been on disability now for two months. I am supposed to return to work next week but I have a note saying I still cannot drive. You have no idea how much this has affected my life. I can’t even get my laundry out of the dryer without having a swirl.”
6. Physical Fitness and Exercise
People who don’t seek professional vertigo help often are unable to maintain their previous level of physical fitness or exercise as often as usual. This leads to loss of muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. Lack of exercise also negatively affects mental health from reduced exercise-related endorphins in the brain.
7. Self Esteem
Lack of exercise and being unable to perform at your job reduces self esteem. This negative effect on self esteem appears to be cumulative over time, with many of my patients reporting less self esteem as the vertigo symptoms continue to affect their emotions, their daily work capacity and exercise routine.
Seeking professional vertigo help can improve your self esteem and quality of daily life by getting you back on track in these important areas.
Many people who contact me for a Private Consultation are able to return to exercise, return to work and return to driving as soon as a successful outcome is reached. I always encourage a swift return to normal activities as soon as vertigo is resolved to prevent a downward spiral.
I love the humorous quote, “I am in no shape to exercise!” But sadly, that is how many people feel if they delay seeking professional vertigo help for too long.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
Who would you recommend in the Seattle area? I live 60 miles north in Skagit County. I had two moments about 3 weeks ago where i felt real lightheaded, I went to see my doctor and did blood work, an ekg, a ct scan, a mri, and a us carotid bilateral. All test were normal. The
first week a had spells of dizzyness, the second week was almost normal. Then about 4 days ago I felt dizzy for 2 mornings, then would feel ok the rest of the day. Feeling a little lightheaded today. Thanks Mike
Hi Mike,
You can search for a provider in your area with this blog.
Also, I suggest for you to check out my articles on BPPV.
Best wishes
would my primary doctor be as good as a vertigo specialist in dealing with this ailment.my doctor said he could set me up with physical therapy for this problem if the vestibular exercises didnt work.
Hi Sharon,
Your primary doctor is a great place to start! They can check you for basic medical problems that cause dizziness and vertigo.
For a vestibular evaluation, I suggest you seek specialized care from someone that you can find using the resources I provide in this article.
That would be a vestibular physical therapist. That is different from general physical therapy.
You may also be able to get a vestibular exam by a Neurotologist or Otologist, or an Otoneurologist, or an Audiologist.
Best wishes!
Hi, Ive had vertigo for 26 days. Through my provider and urgent care I have been guided to seek an ENT and PT. Appointments are not readily available until the end of April. Ive tried various exercises, Epley etc. i just read your article 7 Reasons and that is exactly where I am at. Sad about it. I just want my life back! 🙁
I am British and living in Spain.
do you know if there are any vestibular centres or specialists in the Almeria province, Andalucía, Spain.
many thanks
Hi Kevin,
No I do not personally know of anyone specialists in your area.
This blog will help you find online directories that you can search.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT