Dizziness, Balance, and PPPD

Dizziness is like stepping onto a carnival ride without buying a ticket. It can make you feel like the ground beneath your feet is a wobbly tightrope, throwing off your sense of stability and security. Balance, on the other hand, is the magical act of staying upright without even thinking about it. It's the quiet superhero of our body, working behind the scenes to keep us from tumbling over. 

Dizziness and balance aren't just physical phenomena. They're deeply intertwined with our minds.  They are what is known as mind-body problems, as they are affected by our thoughts and feelings. In psychology, we look at how factors such as stress or anxiety can make us feel dizzy or off-balance. Understanding this connection helps us find ways to improve both our mental and physical well-being. 

PPPD, or Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness, is like a stubborn houseguest who just won't leave. It's more than just feeling dizzy; it's a whole symphony of symptoms, including feeling off-balance, unsteady, and even detached from reality. It is a complex condition with various biological, psychological, and sociological factors that impact it.  

Researchers believe it's like a glitch in the matrix, where the brain's inner workings get tangled up in a web of confusion.  You see, several systems work together to give you a sense of balance including the vestibular system (inner ear), proprioceptive system (sense of where your body is at), visual system (sight), and emotional systems.  Difficulties can originate or be contributed to by difficulties in any of these symptoms from past vestibular disorders, anxiety disorders, or even just a particularly nasty bout of the flu. 

Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy, medication, and yes, you guessed it, psychological interventions.  You see, psychological treatments are not just for unraveling childhood traumas or dissecting your dreams (although they can do that too). It's also a powerful tool for rewiring your brain and reclaiming your balance. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, in particular, have shown promising results in helping individuals with PPPD reframe their thoughts and conquer their fears. 

Now, I did not originally create this practice as a means for helping people with dizziness difficulties.  Actually, I had a colleague approach me a couple of years ago inquiring if I could help due to a dearth of psychological experts in this area within New York State.  My focus has always been on providing the highest level of care possible, so I began a two-year journey to become such an expert in this area.  Needless to say, I was happy to finally add it to this website as an area I treat.

So,  f you've been nodding along and thinking, "That's me," it's time to take action. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who specializes in dizziness and balance disorders. Together, you can unravel the mystery of PPPD and chart a course toward healing and wholeness.