Questions about vertigo, concussion and spine care, answered

Many cases of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)—the most common cause of room-spinning vertigo—often improves in 1 to 3 specialized treatment sessions. At NORTH ATLANTA VERTIGO & PHYSICAL THERAPY, we use Infrared Video Goggles to identify the exact inner-ear semicircular canal holding the displaced calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) and perform targeted Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (such as the Epley, Semont, BBQ Roll, or Gufoni maneuver). For non-crystal conditions like vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, or post-concussion dizziness, patients typically see steady, measurable balance and visual improvements within 4 to 8 weeks of customized 1-on-1 therapy.

A standard orthopedic physical therapy clinic is built to treat knee, shoulder, and back injuries in an open gym setting where a therapist often juggles two to four patients at the same time. However, complex inner-ear and neurological conditions require a quiet environment and specialized diagnostic technology. At NORTH ATLANTA VERTIGO & PHYSICAL THERAPY, every session is a full 60 minutes, strictly 1-on-1 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy in a calm clinical setting. Unlike general clinics, we use Infrared Video Oculography (VNG goggles) and Posturography to objectively measure your eye movements and balance reflexes rather than guessing the source of your dizziness.

There are three separate balance canals in each ear (posterior, horizontal, and anterior), and displaced crystals can be either free-floating (canalithiasis) or stuck to the cupula sensor (cupulolithiasis). Performing a generic home Epley maneuver on the wrong ear or for the wrong canal often fails to clear the vertigo—and can accidentally dump the crystals into a different canal, making your nausea and spinning significantly worse. Using Infrared Video Goggles, our specialists observe the exact direction of your involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) in total darkness so we perform the exact maneuver required for your specific canal on the very first visit.

In addition to acute BPPV and positional vertigo, NORTH ATLANTA VERTIGO & PHYSICAL THERAPY specializes in comprehensive vestibular, balance, and neurological rehabilitation, including: Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral), Vestibular Migraine & PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness), Post-Concussion Syndrome (mTBI), Cervicogenic Dizziness, and Senior Balance & Fall Prevention.

When you experience inner-ear dizziness, your eyes make tiny, involuntary twitching movements called nystagmus that reveal exactly which part of your vestibular system is malfunctioning. In a brightly lit exam room, the human eye automatically suppresses nystagmus by focusing on objects in the room, which can cause subtle inner-ear findings to be missed by the naked eye. Infrared Video Goggles place your eyes in complete darkness while high-resolution infrared cameras magnify and record your eye movements on a monitor. This allows your Doctor of Physical Therapy to pinpoint the exact inner-ear canal or central nervous system pathway causing your symptoms.

Your initial evaluation at our Alpharetta or Cumming clinic is a comprehensive, 60-minute 1-on-1 diagnostic session with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We begin with a detailed review of your medical history and symptom triggers, followed by an oculomotor and positional screen using Infrared Video Goggles, a cervical spine and neurological assessment, and objective balance testing via Computerized Dynamic Posturography. In the vast majority of cases, we begin your hands-on treatment—including crystal repositioning if BPPV is present—on Day 1 so you leave with a clear diagnosis and recovery plan.

Our evaluations are carefully paced to keep your symptoms as comfortable and controlled as possible. While positional testing or canalith repositioning briefly triggers a mild, temporary wave of your typical dizziness for 10 to 30 seconds so we can locate and clear the problem, we allow plenty of time for your nervous system to settle before you leave. Most patients drive themselves to and from their appointments without difficulty; however, if you are experiencing severe, active room spinning or nausea on the day of your first visit, we recommend having a family member or friend drive you just for peace of mind.

After a concussion or whiplash injury, many patients suffer from persistent headaches, dizziness, blurry vision when moving their head, brain fog, and difficulty scrolling on screens or driving. These symptoms frequently stem from a disruption between the inner ear’s balance sensors, the visual tracking system, and the upper cervical spine. We evaluate your Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR), saccadic eye movements, smooth pursuits, and dynamic balance, then build a targeted 1-on-1 neurological rehabilitation plan to recalibrate how your eyes, inner ear, and brain process motion.

Guided activity is now recommended over strict rest. If dizziness or visual symptoms are not improving after a week or two, an evaluation helps.

Yes, including Workers' Comp and auto-accident lien cases, with documentation for case managers and attorneys.

Eye-movement and focusing tests with infrared video goggles, positional tests for BPPV, balance testing, a neck assessment, an exercise-tolerance check and symptom questionnaires, in one 60-minute, 1-on-1 visit.

Yes. A head injury can knock inner-ear crystals loose and cause BPPV, and concussion can also disrupt the balance and eye-movement systems. Each cause needs a different treatment, so we test for each one.

Yes. We build a graded plan for returning to learning, work and exercise and keep your physician informed. Final medical clearance for contact sport comes from the athlete's physician.

Yes. Concussions from car accidents can be treated through Auto MedPay or a personal injury attorney's Letter of Protection with $0 at your visit, and Workers' Compensation covers work injuries.

A Therapeutic Pain Specialist is a physical therapist with advanced post-graduate certification in pain science and the treatment of persistent pain. Dr. Manan Patel is one of the few certified Therapeutic Pain Specialists in North Atlanta. For you, that means a clear explanation of why it hurts and a plan that calms a sensitized nervous system while building strength.

Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches, pinched nerves in the neck, whiplash and auto accident injuries, herniated and bulging discs, low back pain, sciatica, persistent (chronic) pain, and rehabilitation after neck or back surgery.

Because the neck, the balance system and pain are closely linked. Neck problems can cause dizziness and headaches, whiplash and concussion often happen together, and persistent pain and persistent dizziness respond to some of the same principles. Dr. Patel is both a Certified Vestibular Specialist and a certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist, so these problems can be treated in one plan.

Yes. Neck-related (cervicogenic) dizziness can follow whiplash or come with neck pain and stiffness. Because inner-ear problems can feel similar, Dr. Patel tests the neck and the inner ear in the same visit.

Yes. Cervicogenic headaches usually start at the base of the skull, are often one-sided and change with neck movement or posture. They respond well to hands-on care and specific neck exercise.

Usually not. Guidelines advise against routine imaging for back pain without warning signs, and disc changes on MRI are common in people without pain. We screen for warning signs at your first visit and refer you to a physician if imaging is needed.

Many people improve with conservative care that calms the irritated nerve and restores movement and strength, and many herniated discs shrink on their own over time. We screen for warning signs and coordinate with your physician if a surgical opinion is needed.

Once a doctor has ruled out a fracture or other serious injury, usually within days. Early, guided movement generally helps whiplash recover better than prolonged rest or a soft collar.

Yes. We provide rehabilitation after cervical and lumbar fusion, discectomy and laminectomy, following your surgeon's protocol and keeping their office updated.

Pain lasting more than three months often involves a more sensitive nervous system. Dr. Patel's pain neuroscience approach, with graded exercise and hands-on care, is designed for this kind of persistent pain.

Treatment is matched to what your body tolerates. Some exercises cause mild, temporary soreness, but we avoid flaring your pain and adjust as you go.

It depends on your condition and how long you have had it. Recent injuries often improve faster than pain that has lasted for months. We give you an estimate after your evaluation.

Yes, once a doctor has ruled out a fracture, bleeding or another serious injury. Early, guided movement generally helps whiplash recover better than rest, and dizziness, headaches or visual strain after a crash should be evaluated rather than waited out.

With a Letter of Protection from your attorney, Auto MedPay or an approved Workers' Compensation claim, there is no out-of-pocket cost at your visit. We explain how your bill is handled before you start.

A Letter of Protection (LOP) is a letter from your personal injury attorney agreeing that our bill will be paid from your settlement or judgment. Ask your attorney to send it before your first visit, or we can request it for you.

No. You can be seen using Auto MedPay, your health insurance or our $129 flat rate. If you do have an attorney, we work directly with their office.

Yes. A crash can cause BPPV (loose inner-ear crystals), a concussion that disrupts the balance and eye-movement systems, or neck-related dizziness from whiplash. We test for each in the same visit.

Yes. Neck pain, headaches, dizziness and brain fog can take hours to days to appear. Get checked by a doctor first, then we can evaluate the neck, inner ear, eye movements and balance.

An evaluation summary within 48 hours of the first visit, with objective findings such as infrared video goggle recording of eye movements, BioSway computerized balance testing, neck range of motion and standardized questionnaires, followed by progress and discharge reports. Records are released with your written authorization.

Yes. We accept Letters of Protection, see clients urgently, send an evaluation summary within 48 hours of the first visit and release records promptly with the patient's authorization. Attorneys and case managers can fax referrals to 866-851-2493 or download our referral pad, which includes fields for the claim number, date of injury and attorney contact.

Yes. We accept Workers' Compensation for work-related head, neck and back injuries and provide timely work-status reports for your case manager.

We hold urgent slots and offer appointments within 48 hours at our Cumming and Alpharetta clinics. Call (470) 380-7007.

No referral is needed to start in Georgia. Many attorneys and insurers like to see physician involvement, and we coordinate with your doctor's office. Georgia requires a physician referral if care continues past 21 days or 8 visits.

Cervical fusion (ACDF), cervical disc replacement, lumbar fusion, discectomy or microdiscectomy, and laminectomy.

Your surgeon decides. After a discectomy, structured exercise often starts around four to six weeks; after a fusion, timing depends on healing and your surgeon's protocol. Gentle walking usually starts right away.

Yes. We follow your surgeon's protocol and restrictions and send progress updates to their office.

Some pain and nerve symptoms can take weeks to months to settle as nerves recover. Tell your surgeon right away about new or worsening weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Often, yes. Persistent pain after spine surgery usually involves deconditioning and a sensitized nervous system, which respond to graded exercise and pain neuroscience education.

If your surgeon agrees, a few visits before surgery can build strength, teach safe movement and set expectations, which can make the first weeks easier.

We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and we accept Workers' Compensation for work injuries. Out-of-network plans, including Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare, can use our $129 flat rate per 60-minute visit.

We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) / Anthem and Tricare. We verify your plan and explain your copay or coinsurance before your first visit.

Self-pay patients, out-of-network plans and patients with high deductibles, including Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare (UHC).

We are out of network with Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare plans run by private insurance companies, sometimes called Medicare Part C). We are in-network with Traditional Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call us at (470) 380-7007 and we will explain your options before you book.

A full 60-minute, 1-on-1 visit with a physical therapist: vertigo, balance and concussion care with infrared video goggle testing, or neck and back pain care with Dr. Manan Patel, a certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist. The same $129 rate applies to evaluations and follow-up visits.

Yes. We accept personal injury attorney liens (Letters of Protection), Auto MedPay and Workers' Compensation, with $0 out-of-pocket at your visit, and we provide detailed documentation for your physician, case manager and attorney.

If your plan has out-of-network benefits, you can submit an itemized superbill, which we provide on request. What is reimbursed depends on your plan.

Yes. Physical therapy visits are qualified medical expenses, so you can use your HSA or FSA card.

No referral is needed to start. Georgia law lets you begin physical therapy without one. If your care continues past 21 days or 8 visits, Georgia requires a referral from your physician, and we coordinate that with your doctor's office. Some insurance plans have their own rules, so we check your benefits first.

We hold urgent evaluation slots and offer 48-hour appointments at our Cumming and Alpharetta clinics. Call (470) 380-7007 or request an appointment online.

Every visit is a full 60 minutes, 1-on-1 with a physical therapist. We never double-book, so you have your therapist's full attention.

Bring your ID, insurance card, a list of your medicines and any imaging or test results. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in and flat, supportive shoes. If your dizziness is strong, arrange a ride.

Our Cumming clinic is open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Our Alpharetta clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Our two specialized clinics are conveniently located along the GA-400 medical corridor to serve patients across North Fulton County and South Forsyth County without requiring a stressful drive into downtown Atlanta traffic. Our Cumming / South Forsyth Clinic (Open Mon–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM) serves patients in Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Dawsonville, Buford, and northern Johns Creek. Our Alpharetta / North Fulton Clinic (Open Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM inside the Georgia Brain & Spine Physical Therapy Clinic at 9635 Ventana Way, Ste 103) serves patients in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Duluth.

Yes. Bodyset Inc. now does business as NORTH ATLANTA VERTIGO & PHYSICAL THERAPY, with the same Doctor of Physical Therapy, Dr. Manan Patel. If you were a Bodyset patient, you are in the right place, and bodysetpt.com redirects to this site.