
Dizziness & Vertigo
Do You Need Relief From Dizziness or Vertigo?
Feeling off-balance, lightheaded, or unsteady when walking? Experiencing episodes where the room feels like it’s spinning? You may be suffering from dizziness or vertigo.
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our certified vestibular physiotherapists are experienced in diagnosing and treating dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, we can help you regain control, improve stability, and restore your quality of life.
What Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo?
The vestibular system — located in your inner ear — works with your eyes and body to maintain balance. When it isn’t functioning properly, you may experience dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness.
Common causes include:
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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, sudden spinning episodes triggered by head movements.
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Vestibular Neuritis: Often linked to viral infections, causing sudden severe vertigo and imbalance.
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Ménière’s Disease: Episodes of vertigo accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness.
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Perilymphatic Fistula: Inner ear leakage after trauma, surgery, or barotrauma, causing dizziness and hearing issues.
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Concussion-related vestibular dysfunction leading to dizziness, imbalance, and motion sensitivity.
How Physiotherapy Helps With Dizziness & Vertigo
Research shows that vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is highly effective in reducing dizziness and vertigo symptoms. At Cogent Rehab, our personalized treatment plans may include:
✅ Repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver) for BPPV
✅ Balance and gait training to improve stability
✅ Gaze stabilization and eye movement exercises for visual focus
✅ Habituation exercises to reduce sensitivity to motion
✅ Neck and postural treatment to address related cervical issues
✅ Education and self-management strategies to reduce recurrence
When To Seek Help
While occasional lightheadedness may not be serious, persistent or recurring dizziness and vertigo should never be ignored. You should seek professional help if:
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Your dizziness or vertigo episodes are frequent or prolonged.
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You feel unsteady when walking and are at risk of falling.
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Symptoms are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light/sound.
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You notice hearing loss, tinnitus, or fullness in one ear.
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You experience dizziness following a concussion, fall, or head injury.
Prompt vestibular physiotherapy can help address the underlying cause and prevent long-term balance problems.
Why Choose Cogent Rehab Burlington?
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Certified vestibular physiotherapists with advanced training
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Proven results treating dizziness, vertigo, BPPV, and post-concussion symptoms
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Integration with related services like Concussion Management and Neurological Physiotherapy
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Evidence-based methods including Vestibular Rehabilitation, manual therapy, and functional retraining
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A personalized approach designed to reduce symptoms and restore independence
FAQs About Dizziness & Vertigo
Q1. What’s the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness or imbalance, while vertigo is the sensation that the world around you is spinning.
Q2. Can dizziness or vertigo go away on its own?
Sometimes, but recurring or severe symptoms usually require vestibular physiotherapy for lasting relief.
Q3. How long does it take to see improvement with vestibular rehab?
Many patients see improvements within 2–6 weeks, though it depends on the underlying condition.
Q4. Do I need a doctor’s referral for vestibular physiotherapy?
No referral is required to book an assessment at Cogent Rehab Burlington.
Q5. Will I feel worse after vestibular exercises?
Some patients feel temporary discomfort as the brain adapts, but this is a normal part of recovery and usually improves quickly.
Q6. Can vestibular physiotherapy help after a concussion?
Yes. Vestibular rehab is one of the most effective treatments for post-concussion dizziness and imbalance.
