DORSET DIZZY CLINIC
Conditions we treat
Other
Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
PPPD is a chronic condition where the brain stays in a state of "high alert" long after an initial dizzy spell, period of stress and anxiety or injury has passed. It is often described as a functional disorder of the nervous system.
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Common Symptoms: A constant sense of rocking, swaying, or "heaviness" that lasts for months. Symptoms often worsen in busy environments (like supermarkets) or when standing/walking.
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Our Approach: We use Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) and vestibular regulation techniques (such as breathing control, grounding, visualisation) for long-term desensitisation and calming the autonomic nervous system, teaching the brain to stop over-reacting to normal movement signals.
Cervicogenic dizziness
This type of dizziness stems from issues in the joints or muscles of the neck as a result of postural dysfunction, tension or injury. Because the neck contains sensors that tell the brain where the head is in space, "noisy" signals from a stiff or injured neck can cause a sense of disorientation.
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Common Symptoms: A feeling of lightheadedness or "floatiness" that is triggered by neck movements or staying in one posture for too long. It is often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness.
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Our Approach: We combine gentle neck mobility work, manual therapy, strengthening exercises and postural correction with sensory re-weighting exercises to ensure your neck and balance system are communicating accurately again.
Visually-induced dizziness
Sometimes the brain becomes overly dependent on visual information to stay upright, making complex visual patterns or fast-moving environments overwhelming.
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Common Symptoms: Dizziness triggered by scrolling on a phone, walking down supermarket aisles, watching action movies, or seeing repetitive patterns (like striped carpets or rain on a windshield).
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Our Approach: We use Optokinetic stimulation—controlled exposure to moving visual patterns—to help your brain "re-tune" and rely more on your inner ear and body sensors rather than just your eyes.
Age-related imbalance
As we age, the sensory systems that contribute to balance (vision, inner ear, and "touch" sensors in the feet) can naturally become less sharp, leading to an increased risk of falls.
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Common Symptoms: Feeling unsteady on uneven ground, needing to touch walls while walking, or a general loss of confidence when out in public.
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Our Approach: Our focus is on strength and "multi-sensory" training. We design specific drills to improve your reaction times and strengthen the muscles needed to recover your balance if you trip.
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS)
MdDS usually occurs after a period of prolonged motion, such as a cruise, flight, or long train journey. While most people "get their land legs" back in hours, those with MdDS feel like they are still at sea for weeks or months.
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Common Symptoms: A persistent sensation of bobbing, swaying, or tumbling. Interestingly, these symptoms often improve when you are back in a moving vehicle (like a car).
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Our Approach: We utilize specialized VRT techniques and lifestyle management to help the brain re-adapt to a stable, non-moving environment.