All it takes is one event to change the course of a life.
For many, that event may have appeared to be small, starting with a simple hit to the head, a collision during an athletic event, or an unfortunate fender bender in the middle of a winter storm.
- But over time, that single event has turned into an array of change, leading to chronic symptoms of
- random dizziness
- disorientation
- feeling disconnected
- and periods of cognitive confusion.
A majority of the doctors tell you that your symptoms are in your head (and they’re actually right, it’s in your brain), yet no one has been able to come up with a definitive diagnosis or treatment based off their examination findings and diagnostic imaging. How is this possible?
You may be apart of the select group of individuals who suffer from Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). PPPD is a newly defined diagnostic syndrome describing these previously listed symptoms, which are complications of the vestibular system and brain being unable to recalibrate and control various systems necessary for integrating and interpreting your physical environment.
A diagnosis of PPPD is different from other forms of vertigo and vestibular-based syndromes, as these patients gradually acquire secondary symptoms of functional gait disorders, anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and severe disabilities.
Although navigating your way through PPPD may seem like uncharted territory, there are solutions for therapies and treatment, which can include various forms of visuo-vestibular rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and specialized neuro-orthopedic treatments. In order to be successful, clinical therapy and rehabilitative exercises must be highly specific and based off of quality bedside and objective diagnostic testing.
It is crucial for these types of patients to schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help. It can be a game changer for those who suffer from this mysterious and debilitating condition.
Schedule a consultation to discuss if your symptoms are PPPD.
Popkirov S, et al. Pract Neurol 2018;18:5–13. doi:10.1136/practneurol-2017-001809
