Tag: dizziness

Understanding Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic and often frustrating condition marked by ongoing dizziness, unsteadiness, or a sensation of rocking—even while still. At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we regularly help patients navigate PPPD using functional neurology, with the goal of restoring stability and improving quality of life.

What Causes PPPD?

PPPD typically develops after an initial vestibular event—such as a concussion, inner ear infection, or period of intense stress. Even when the original issue resolves, the brain may struggle to recalibrate, leading to lingering symptoms. Many patients describe feeling “off” or chronically dizzy, especially in busy environments like grocery stores or while scrolling on their phones.

Unlike traditional vestibular disorders, PPPD often presents with normal test results on MRIs and hearing exams. This makes diagnosis challenging and highlights the need for a more specialized neurological approach.

The Brain and Sensory Mismatch

From a functional neurology perspective, PPPD stems from a sensory mismatch between three major systems:

  • Vestibular system (inner ear)
  • Visual system (eyes)
  • Proprioceptive system (body awareness)

These systems normally work together to keep us balanced and oriented. In PPPD, the brain often over-relies on visual input, creating a conflict when there’s too much motion or visual complexity—like walking in a crowd or driving. This mismatch confuses the brain, triggers dizziness, and may cause anxiety that worsens symptoms.

How We Assess PPPD

Proper diagnosis requires a thorough neurological evaluation. At our clinic, we begin with a detailed history and symptom review, followed by targeted testing. Tools like video-oculography and posturography allow us to assess:

  • Eye movements and tracking
  • Balance and postural stability
  • Sensory integration between systems

We also screen for contributing factors like migraines or anxiety, which often coexist with PPPD and can make recovery more complex if left unaddressed.

Individualized Treatment with Functional Neurology

Treatment for PPPD is about more than just managing symptoms—it’s about retraining the brain to better process sensory input. Our approach includes:

  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): Exercises that improve gaze stability, balance, and motion tolerance
  • Targeted neuroplastic techniques: Eye movement drills, sensory stimulation, and motor exercises to rebuild efficient neural pathways
  • Gradual exposure therapy: Helping the brain adapt to visual motion and busy environments in a safe, structured way

We individualize each plan to the patient’s needs—no two cases of PPPD are the same. Our goal is to improve function, not just reduce symptoms.

Supporting the Whole Person

Since PPPD can be physically and emotionally draining, we take a holistic, patient-centered approach. In addition to neurological therapy, we support:

  • Stress regulation and relaxation techniques
  • Daily movement and physical activity adapted to your tolerance
  • Sleep quality and nutrition guidance, as both impact brain recovery

Cognitive-behavioral strategies may also help reduce fear or anxious thinking that fuels the cycle of dizziness.

Regain Control and Stability

While PPPD recovery takes time, it is possible with the right tools and support. Many of our patients report significant improvements in their confidence, balance, and ability to return to everyday life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with unexplained dizziness, a functional neurology evaluation can uncover what’s going on beneath the surface—and guide the path toward healing.

Concussion: 9 Natural Ways To Boost Your Recovery At Home

Suffering from a concussion can be a disorienting, frightening and stressful experience. However, the good news is that many minor concussions can be treated at home with the right care and attention. At Lancaster Brain & Spine, our main goal is to support you or your loved one through the healing process, so you can return to normal life as soon as possible.

Below, we have compiled nine natural ways to treat a concussion at home, because not every concussion requires treatment. However, it is crucial to note that these methods should always be used in conjunction with professional advice and to avoid self-diagnosing. To ensure you don’t have underlying trauma that’s critical or life-threatening, we always recommend getting an expert opinion. 

If you suspect you or a loved one might have a concussion, know that any head trauma should always be taken seriously. If you’re looking for answers, we offer 15-minute telephone consultations, and you can book a call with us here.

How Do I Treat A Concussion? The Road To Recovery

We understand this can be a difficult time, but rest assured that with the right care and attention, you or your loved one can likely make a full recovery. Between 80-90% of people who suffer from concussions are better within 30 days. The remaining people tend to struggle, and that’s where we come in. If you’re suffering from a complex neurological disorder, you might qualify for our intensive treatment.

Here are nine ways to effectively manage your concussion from the comfort of your home and speed up your recovery time (instead of prolonging or exacerbating your symptoms). 

1. Limit Your Screen Time

Exposure to screens, such as computers, cell phones and televisions, can worsen your symptoms following a concussion. Research has shown that limiting screen time in the first 48 hours after sustaining a concussion can significantly reduce your recovery time by up to 50%. By easing the strain on your eyes, you can help your brain recover quicker.

2. Allow Your Body And Mind To Recharge

Rest is crucial for concussion recovery, both physically and mentally. During your recovery, gradually increase your activity level, such as taking short walks, engaging in light household tasks and simple socializing. This movement and social interaction can help your brain process and recalibrate, leading to better healing.

However, excessive rest, known as “cocooning,” where you spend long periods of time in a dark room, should be avoided. You might need a little more sleep than usual, which is totally normal, but we recommend not resting in the dark for more than 48 hours.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Good quality sleep is crucial after a concussion, because this down time allows your brain to heal and recover. Sleep plays an important role in the healing process, as it provides your brain with the opportunity to rest and restore functions. During sleep, the brain can process information, consolidate memories and repair damaged tissue. Adequate sleep can also help reduce symptoms associated with concussions, boost the immune system and improve your mood.

We recommend getting between 7-10 hours of sleep a night.

4. Drink Plenty of Fluids

We all know how important water is for our body’s function, but dehydration can actually exacerbate concussion symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, and confusion, which are commonly associated with this injury. Drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate these symptoms and encourage your body to heal faster. As proper hydration maintains brain function, it is vital to drink plenty of fluids after a concussion to support healing and reduce inflammation.

5. Intermittent Fasting

You may have heard about this diet method for improved health and nutrition, but intermittent fasting is also a powerful tool for boosting the body’s healing process. By restricting your eating period to an 8-hour window each day, you stimulate the immune system and activate your body’s natural mechanisms for clearing out damaged cells. This is achieved by causing slight stress on your body, which in turn promotes the production of microglial cells. These cells play a crucial role in repairing damaged tissue and supporting your brain’s healing process.

Before incorporating intermittent fasting into your routine, it’s important to consult with a medical professional to ensure that it’s a safe and appropriate approach for you. 

6. Nourish Your Brain For Optimal Healing

After a concussion, it’s crucial to prioritize nourishing your body and brain to support the healing process. Unfortunately, many popular foods can actually hinder the healing process and prolong your recovery. Sugar and processed foods are two examples, as they increase inflammation, disrupt blood sugar levels, and impair brain function.

Sugar and processed foods can also reduce the effectiveness of your immune system and slow down the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This can increase the risk of further injury and prolong your recovery process — which nobody wants. In contrast, a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can provide your body with the essential nutrients and energy it needs to heal and recover.

7. Take Inflammation-Fighting Supplements

When it comes to natural concussion recovery, it’s important to address the underlying inflammation that can prolong symptoms. Adding anti-inflammatory supplements and foods to your diet can help support the healing process and reduce inflammation in your brain. 

One supplement we recommend taking is fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, and is essential for brain health and repair. Another effective anti-inflammatory, turmeric, has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing throughout the body.

8. Avoid Overstimulation

It’s important to avoid too much stimulation during your recovery, such as large crowds in busy environments, as noise and visual motion can cause sensory overload and further strain your brain. By avoiding sensory overload, you will feel more grounded and your brain will feel relaxed (instead of stressed).

9. Protect Your Senses

After a concussion, your body remains sensitive to both light and sound. This can make everyday activities, such as using a computer or being in bright environments, extremely uncomfortable. To help alleviate these symptoms, it’s important to take steps to protect your senses. 

We recommend wearing sunglasses or rose-tinted glasses when going outside in bright environments. For those using a computer or other screens, blue light-blocking glasses can be especially helpful in reducing the glare and strain on your eyes. Additionally, wearing earplugs can help reduce the impact of loud sounds and relieve auditory sensitivity.

How Long Will My Concussion Last? Recovery Time Frame

Most minor concussions clear up within 7-10 days. However, if you have a history of multiple concussions or other risk factors that make you more susceptible, your symptoms may last longer or become more severe. 

If you experience persistent symptoms for more than 10 days, we recommend you seek the advice of a medical professional. We are here to support you and offer a free telephone consultation with one of our experts to answer any questions you may have. When you come in for a consultation, we use advanced diagnostic equipment, such as videonystagmography and balance testing, to help determine the root cause more quickly.

If this blog post raises any questions or concerns about your condition or a loved one’s, please contact us. We are experts in diagnosing and treating concussions, and offer complimentary 15-minute phone consultations to talk through any issues you may have, and see how we can help you.

What Is Dizziness? A Quick Guide To Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

One of the most common complaints our physicians deal with is patients coming in with feelings of dizziness. Most people recognize this disorienting sensation as a warning sign that something’s not quite right in their bodies. Just like how pain warns us that something hurts, dizziness alerts us that something may be out of balance.

Just as there are many solutions to various types of pain, there are also many solutions to why you may feel dizzy. You could be experiencing anything from inner ear problems to low blood pressure, or even something more serious, like dysautonomia. While the feeling of dizziness is not always alarming, diagnosing the causation correctly is crucial to receiving the right type of treatment.

So let’s start with the basics — what actually causes dizziness?

The Word “Dizzy” Can Refer To Countless Conditions

“Dizziness” is an umbrella term that people use to describe a general feeling or sensation, but in the medical world, it needs to be narrowed down. People who experience dizziness often describe the feeling like they are spinning, that they might pass out, or that they may fall over. You may have one or all three of these sensations.

Since “dizziness” is generally used to describe all of these, it’s important to clarify what is actually occurring. We do this by asking exploratory questions around specific feelings and experiences, as well as using cutting-edge diagnostic tools, to help us accurately determine the symptoms before discovering the cause.

So when you say you “feel dizzy,” what do you really mean by that?

Let’s explore the three main categories of dizziness that we may diagnose.

1. Vertigo

Vertigo is the term we use to describe the sensation of spinning, that may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. It may feel like you yourself are spinning, or that the world around you is spinning. Your body is essentially detecting a false sense of movement. This sensation can last briefly, say seconds or minutes, or up to days at a time. 

A branch of this diagnosis is positional vertigo, occurring when you change position or move your body — we call this benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It is most noticeable when you lie down, sit or stand up from a different position. This is one of the most common forms of vertigo and is usually easy to treat with just a few visits.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is typically caused by problems in the inner ear, brain or vestibular nerve. Perhaps you previously had an infection, experience frequent migraines or have an autoimmune issue.

Thorough diagnostic testing can help determine where your vertigo is coming from. At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we have a range of cutting-edge diagnostic equipment in-house to help diagnose the root cause of your dizziness.

If you think you’re experiencing vertigo and the sensation disrupts your daily activities or causes you discomfort, we recommend you speak to a medical professional to get a diagnosis and treatment. Book a free 15-minute consultation here. 

2. Lightheadedness

The second category of dizziness is lightheadedness, the sensation of feeling faint or as if you are about to pass out. This is generally caused by a lack of blood flow or oxygen to the brain. For example, if you stand up too quickly, you may feel lightheaded. However, this sensation can be a sign of something more serious or a side effect of an underlying condition. 

What Causes Lightheadedness?

There are numerous underlying conditions and situations where lightheadedness can occur. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Conditions such as dysautonomia and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
  • Underlying medical issues like hypoglycemia or anemia
  • People who struggle to regulate their blood pressure and/or heart rate
  • Generalized anxiety disorders
  • Substance use, such as nicotine

If you get lightheaded often, we recommend you see a professional. Book a consultation with us here to see if we can help.

3. Off-balance

The final category of dizziness we diagnose is being off-balance, which refers to being unsteady on your feet or feeling confused due to this unsteadiness. It may present itself as a complete loss of balance, or a feeling like you might fall. 

What causes the “off balance” feeling?

Feeling off-balance is often caused by nerve damage in the lower body or visual problems, sometimes a result of diabetes, chemotherapy or trauma to the nerves. Another condition that can make you feel off-balance is stenosis.

If you regularly feel off-balance and it’s impacting your daily life, seek professional help. You can always book a free 15-minute phone consultation with us by using this simple form.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Many people experience one-off occurrences of dizziness that are usually benign and harmless, often due to dehydration, inactivity or motion. However, if you’re experiencing any of the following, we recommend you seek a professional opinion to see if there’s a treatment option available:

  • Chronic/long-term occurrences of dizziness
  • Severe events of dizziness that interfere with day-to-day activities
  • Additional symptoms, such as loss of speech

We understand how frustrating and worrying these symptoms can be — especially when they affect your daily routine. That’s why we offer free telephone consultations that you can request by filling out our quick 5-question form.

How Do You Diagnose The Underlying Cause of Dizziness?

At our Lancaster-based clinic, we’re experts in diagnosing dizziness. That’s why we invested in a variety of cutting-edge diagnostic tools to better understand why you’re experiencing this sensation before prescribing a treatment. 

Some of these tools and technologies include:

  • Videonystagmography — tracking your eye movements to help diagnose vertigo
  • Computerized posturography (Btracks) — measuring balance and monitoring center of gravity
  • Tilt table — to measure blood pressure, heart rate and breathing
  • Visual examinations — to measure your walking stance and gait

Using one or a combination of these tools will allow us to properly diagnose your condition and then create a custom treatment plan that suits you and your lifestyle. 

How We Treat Dizziness

As specialists in neurological disorders and dysfunctions, our diagnostic process followed by custom treatment plans has proven to have incredible results. The treatment for dizziness depends on the underlying cause — if you have an inner ear problem, the treatment will be different than someone with low blood pressure.

Therefore, we customize treatment plans based on your diagnosis and lifestyle so we can get you back to living your regular life as soon as possible. 

Looking For Advice On Your Symptoms?

That’s why we offer 15-minute consults, so you can understand your symptoms and what your options are. You can request yours by filling in this quick 5-question form. 

What Is Videonystagmography & How Can It Help Me?

Have you ever heard the saying, ‘The eyes are the window to the soul?’ This phrase usually refers to observing a person’s emotional well-being, however the eyes also play a major role in identifying neurological conditions. At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we use a combination of scientific research and cutting-edge technology to track and treat our patients’ health. Tools and equipment help our professionals identify a range of conditions and underlying issues so we can serve our patients better.

Take videonystagmography, for example. This diagnostic equipment uses goggles positioned across your eyes. And although they look like regular goggles, these are infrared cameras situated inside the equipment that track eye movements. There is also built-in technology that locally saves those recorded eye movements — and this is the most important part for medical professionals, as it helps us to:

  1. Pinpoint irregular or unusual eye movements
  2. Identify exactly when those movements occur
  3. Collate evidence that the eyes are reacting unusually

So having access to this data allows us to better identify symptoms than could be expected with the naked eye. This leads to better detection of underlying conditions or chronic symptoms that may have been previously missed or misdiagnosed. For example, if a patient came in suffering from severe dizziness, videonystagmography allows us to capture exactly when the dizziness is occurring so we can better understand and then treat the underlying problem.

As a diagnostic tool, videonystagmography can accurately capture and record your eye movements even in the dark, which gives us more possibilities to identify and test for, depending on what our patient is experiencing. This advanced technology can track movements faster and more accurately than any person alone, no matter how qualified or experienced they are, resulting in the best possible identification method.

What Symptoms Can Videonystagmography Help Diagnose?

As a diagnostic tool, videonystagmography can help diagnose a wide range of symptoms, including: 

  • Acute or chronic dizziness
  • Concussions
  • Balance
  • Brain injury or dysfunction

Let’s say you come into our clinic because you’re experiencing dizziness. When it comes to a symptom like this, it can be hard to determine exactly when or why the feeling is occurring. By using the detailed videonystagmography data, we can determine the exact point at which the dizziness is occurring, which helps us narrow down the cause — we call this localizing the issue.

We’ll test your symptoms by rotating different parts of your body and measuring your reaction to the various movements in different positions. Some patients find dizziness occurs when they roll over, sit up or lay down, and the videonystagmography tests allow us to verify the sensations with tangible data. By combining a patient’s verbal explanation and physical exam findings with the videonystagmography results, we can create a customized treatment plan to treat your specific symptoms.

What Does The Videonystagmography Process Look Like?

When you come into our Lancaster, PA-based clinic, we get you set up with the videonystagmography equipment. That involves sitting at the appropriate distance (which we would determine) and calibrating the equipment. Next, one of our specialist team members will fit the goggles onto your face to ensure they’re comfortable.

These diagnostic sessions last 30 minutes and typically start by having you look straight ahead in the dark. Your baseline is determined during calibration using visual gaze. We’ll start your test in the dark to look for any spontaneous movements called “nystagmus” that can indicate vestibular disorders or other disorders of central brain processing. This tells us if your eyes are moving as they should be without a fixed target or light interference. 

Then we perform a series of exercises to determine your ability to hold your gaze steady in different eye positions, as well as your ability to track a target and follow quick-moving targets. Additionally, we can observe your eye movements while we put your body and head in different positions that may provoke your dizziness.

Is Videonystagmography At Lancaster Brain & Spine Right For You?

We offer videonystagmography at our clinic as part of our evaluation package or neurological performance package. Not many clinics in the area have this technology, so a lot of patients are referred to us by other neurologists or specialists. 

Typically, videonystagmography is best used to help diagnose a wide range of neurological issues, as explained above. Our team is specially trained to use the videonystagmography diagnostic tool, as well as identify when it’s best to use this tool. So that’s why we always recommend giving us a call so we can discuss this with you over the phone. 

To see if videonystagmography is the best diagnostic tool to identify your neurological condition, contact our experts for a free consultation. These calls are designed to help you understand what might be wrong and if we can support you — and we offer them free of charge to give you peace of mind. Because we’re here to help and serve you so you can get back to living your life as soon as possible.