Vertigo and a feeling of instability are symptoms that affect thousands of people, both young and old. That sensation of "everything moving," of walking on a sinking floor, or of not being able to turn your head without feeling dizzy can completely disrupt daily life. Ribera Assistens A Coruña, the physiotherapist Paula Fraga Pino, Specialist vestibular rehabilitation, offers a comprehensive and personalized approach within the service of Vertigo treatment in A Coruña, with very positive results in improving balance and quality of life.
What does “vestibular” mean and where is the balance?
The term Vestibular refers to vestibular system, a part of the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This system sends information to the brain about the body's movement and position.
The equilibrium depends on the integration of three systems:
- The inner ear (vestibular), which detects head movements.
- The vista, which provides information about the environment.
- Proprioception, which transmits the position of the body through muscles and joints.
When any of these pathways fail or do not integrate properly at the brain level, symptoms of vertigo or instability appear.
Who diagnoses vertigo?
The diagnosis of vertigo should be made by a specialist in otorhinolaryngology, neurology or rehabilitation physician, who may request hearing, vestibular or balance tests.
En Ribera Assistens A CoruñaPatients arrive either directly or through these specialists when dizziness or a feeling of instability persists. After ruling out neurological or visual causes, the physiotherapist Paula Fraga Pino evaluates the vestibular origin and designs a rehabilitation program adapted to each case.
Limitations in daily life and social impact
Vertigo can have a profound impact on people's livesMany patients feel they are losing their independence: they stop driving, avoid going out alone, or avoid participating in social activities.
In addition, the environment often does not understand the magnitude of the problem, since vertigo does not leave visible after-effects, but generates a continuous sensation of dizziness, disorientation and anxiety.
This lack of understanding, added to the difficulty in maintaining the work pace, can lead to prolonged absences and a significant socioeconomic impactSome people spend months—even years—searching for solutions, which affects their emotional state and quality of life.
What vestibular rehabilitation consists of
El Vertigo treatment in A Coruña that Ribera Assistens offers is based on vestibular rehabilitation exercises personalized. These exercises are aimed at retrain the nervous system so that the brain can correctly reintegrate balance information.
"The goal is for the patient to be able to move safely again, without fear of dizziness, and resume their normal activities," he explains. Paula Fraga Pino, physiotherapist at Ribera Assistens A Coruña.
Depending on the cause and degree of involvement, different strategies are applied:
- Habituation exercises: to reduce the body's response to stimuli that cause motion sickness.
- Vestibular adaptation exercises: to improve coordination between eyes and head (vestibulo-ocular reflex).
- Substitution exercises: to take advantage of other sources of sensory information when vestibular function is damaged.
Latest developments in vestibular rehabilitation
In recent years, vestibular rehabilitation has incorporated innovative technologies that have revolutionized their effectiveness:
- Immersive virtual reality, which allows you to simulate environments like driving, boating, or walking through crowds without physical risk. This helps the brain adapt to complex stimuli.
- Balance platforms and computerized posturography, which accurately analyze postural control and allow exercises to be adjusted to each patient.
- Multisensory stimulation programs, which integrate sounds, images and movements to improve central compensation.
These tools allow for safer, more precise, and more motivating treatment, with visible results from the first few weeks.
Treatment duration and results
The duration of treatment varies depending on the type and severity of vertigo. In most cases, patients undergo between 5 and 8 weeks rehabilitation, with a subsequent re-evaluation to measure the compensation achieved.
Throughout the process, minor discomfort or mild dizziness is common, a sign that the brain is working and adapting. Over time, most patients regains its stability, confidence and autonomy.
Regain balance, regain life
Vertigo isn't just about dizziness: it can affect self-esteem, relationships, and personal independence. vestibular rehabilitation It is, today, the most effective treatment to restore balance in a lasting way and without side effects.
If you have been diagnosed with vertigo, make an appointment with our vestibular rehabilitation specialist, Paula Fraga Pino, at Ribera Assistens A Coruña. If you haven't yet been diagnosed, don't hesitate to consult with one of our ear, nose, and throat specialists.
