Vertigo & Vestibular
Dizziness
A broad symptom with many possible causes — some of which are medical.
What people mean by dizziness varies widely: true spinning, light-headedness, unsteadiness, or a general sense of visual disorientation. Identifying which of these best describes what a person is experiencing directs how the evaluation proceeds.
Because dizziness has many possible causes, some of them requiring urgent medical attention, this description on its own is a starting point rather than a diagnosis.
Why this matters
Dizziness affects confidence and daily activity quickly, and it raises the risk of falls, particularly for older adults or anyone whose work or hobbies require good balance.
Getting a clear picture of the type and pattern of dizziness helps determine what kind of evaluation and care, if any, is appropriate.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Balance depends on the inner ear, the eyes, and position sense from the neck and body being integrated by the brain into a single, coherent sense of where the body is in space.
When these inputs disagree or one is unreliable, dizziness can result. Evaluation looks at how well these systems are working individually and together.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Sudden severe dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, weakness, or fainting requires emergency medical care.
- Sudden, severe dizziness or spinning
- Double vision, slurred speech, or facial drooping
- Weakness, numbness, or fainting
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Balance & Coordination — Balance is a whole-nervous-system task. It is also one of the easier things to measure and re-measure.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Atlantoaxial Instability — Excessive movement between the first two neck bones — a medical finding requiring caution.
- Auto Accident Injury — Musculoskeletal injuries following a motor vehicle collision.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.