Vertigo Assessment in Calgary
We assess the vestibular system and brain function to identify the root cause and targeted care plan.
Not Sure about your symptoms? Book a Case Review Phone Consultation today!
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. It is commonly associated with dysfunction in the vestibular system—the part of the inner ear and brain responsible for balance, spatial awareness, and coordination. While vertigo is often linked to inner ear conditions, it can also arise from disruptions in how the brain processes sensory information from the eyes, body, and vestibular system. In some cases, vertigo may be related to neurological conditions, post-concussion changes, or cervical (neck-related) dysfunction.
Common Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo can present in different ways depending on the underlying cause. Some people experience a spinning or whirling sensation, while others may feel off-balance, unsteady, lightheaded, faint, or as though they are floating. Vertigo may also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, difficulty focusing, visual instability, sensitivity to head movements, and trouble walking in a straight line. Symptoms can be brief and positional, or they may be more persistent and triggered by movement, stress, or environmental factors.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can result from several underlying conditions affecting the vestibular system, neck, or brain. Common causes include inner ear dysfunction, vestibular system imbalance, displacement of inner ear crystals known as BPPV, vestibular migraine, Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, concussion or whiplash-related dysfunction, cervicogenic dizziness, and nervous system dysregulation, including autonomic involvement. Identifying the underlying cause is essential because care can vary depending on the source of dysfunction.
How We Assess Vertigo
Our approach focuses on identifying the root cause of your symptoms through a comprehensive assessment. This may include a detailed health history and symptom analysis, eye movement and visual tracking assessments, balance and coordination testing, vestibular system evaluation, postural and gait analysis, cervical spine assessment, and neurological function testing. From there, we identify areas of dysfunction and create a targeted care plan based on your specific findings.
Vertigo Care Approach
Care is individualized based on the underlying cause of vertigo. Depending on your findings, care may include vestibular rehabilitation exercises, eye-head coordination training, balance and proprioceptive retraining, neurological stimulation exercises, gradual exposure to movement-based triggers, and cervical spine therapy when neck involvement is present. The goal is to support the brain’s ability to adapt and improve how the body processes balance, movement, and spatial orientation.
When should you seek help for Vertigo?
You may benefit from an assessment if you experience persistent or recurring vertigo, sudden dizziness without a clear cause, vertigo following a concussion or injury, difficulty maintaining balance during daily activities, symptoms that worsen with movement or position changes, or ongoing nausea and disorientation. Early evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate care.
Types of Vertigo We Commonly Assess
Vestibular Migraine
Vertigo associated with migraine activity, often without a headache.
Vestibular Neuritis
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve that can cause sudden, severe vertigo.
Meniere’s Disease
A condition involving fluid imbalance in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, hearing changes, and tinnitus.
BPPV
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - a common cause of vertigo triggered by changes in head position due to displaced inner ear crystals.
Labyrinthitis
An inner ear condition involving both balance and hearing disturbances.
Cervicogenic Dizziness
Dizziness originating from dysfunction in the neck and its interaction with the vestibular system.
Vertigo Frequently Asked Questions
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Vertigo is commonly caused by dysfunction in the inner ear or how the brain processes balance information. Conditions like BPPV, vestibular migraine, or post-concussion changes are common contributors.
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No. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a spinning or movement sensation, while dizziness is a broader term that can include lightheadedness or imbalance.
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Some forms of vertigo, such as BPPV, may resolve on their own, but others can persist or recur. Identifying the cause helps guide effective management.
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The duration varies depending on the cause. Episodes may last seconds, minutes, or longer in more complex conditions.
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Functional neurology focuses on how the brain and nervous system function. Targeted exercises and therapies may help improve balance, coordination, and symptom control in certain cases.
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Some chiropractors trained in functional neurology evaluate how the nervous system influences balance and spatial orientation. Treatment may involve vestibular rehabilitation and neurological stimulation.
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You should seek professional evaluation if vertigo is persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily activities.
Get Assessed for Vertigo
If you are experiencing vertigo, identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward improving your symptoms.
Book a 30-minute Virtual or Phone Case Review consultation, we’ll listen to your symptoms, answer your questions, and help you determine the most appropriate next steps for care.
