Vestibular Rehabilitation
The Inner Ear
The Problem…
Dizziness, vertigo, and disequilibrium problems affect a staggering number of people. Dizziness related disorders are the second most common complaint by patients to their physicians after the common cold. Not all dizziness complaints, however, are related to vestibular (inner ear) dysfunction. It is important that you see your physician first so that the cause of any dizziness can be determined. Vestibular disorders can lead to dizziness, vertigo, postural instability, gait disturbances, and falls.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation…
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise approach to lessen dizziness associated with vestibular pathology. Patients will often respond quite favorably to treatment. An emphasis is placed on establishing a home exercise program that attempts to stimulate the inner ear and its associated organs to effectively decrease the complaints of dizziness, improve balance, and improve visual-motor control.
Is Therapy Successful…
A number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of vestibular habituation therapy on dizziness, vertigo, and related symptoms. In many instances, patients can obtain complete relief from their symptoms. Most patients will achieve sufficient gains to significantly improve their overall functional activity level.
What Does the Program Involve…
Following a thorough evaluation, an individualized treatment program is developed. The program may encompass:
- Vestibular habituation exercises that specifically provoke the patient's symptoms.
- Visual-motor exercises that improve gaze stabilization, tracking, scanning, and eye-head coordination.
- Balance retraining exercises.
- General conditioning and strengthening exercises, if indicated.
- A patient-specific home exercise program.
