Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) treats vestibular disorders or symptoms, characterized by dizziness, vertigo, and trouble with balance and vision. These symptoms can also result in nausea, fatigue, and lack of concentration.
The term “vestibular” refers to the inner ear system and its fluid-filled canals that control balance. Vestibular dysfunction can exist unilaterally, affecting only one side of the body, or bilaterally, affecting both sides. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises treat dizziness, difficulty with vision with head movement, and balance issues.
The ultimate goal of vestibular rehabilitation therapy is to reduce vertigo, dizziness, gaze instability, poor balance, and dangerous falls. Approximately 40% of adults over age 40 experience some form of dizziness. Additionally, for patients over 75 years of age, dizziness is the number one reason for visiting a physician. Dizziness is a significant risk factor for falls, and falls are estimated to be the leading cause of serious injury and death in people over 65.
Who can benefit
Patients may call requesting vestibular rehabilitation if they have any of the above symptoms, have seen an ear, nose and throat (ENT) or other physician for these symptoms and been diagnosed with vertigo/benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Treatment
Vestibular rehabilitation involves a thorough examination with a comprehensive medical screen to review various systems of the human body. Rehabilitation includes recommendations based on the medical screen and interventions that focus on the cervical spine (neck), addressing impairments of the vestibular system and returning to normal function.
Includes:
- Canalith Repositioning: manual (hands-on) techniques that involve positioning the head in a certain sequence
- Habituation Exercises: aimed to reduce dizziness by exposing the vestibular system to movements and positions that bring on symptoms in a progressive fashion
- Ocular Exercises: training the connection between the eyes and the inner ear
- Balance Training: restoring the connection between the inner ear and its affect on balance and motor control
FAQs
How can we help?
For more information, give us a call at 877-379-4911, or fill out the form fill below and one of our client success coordinators will reach out as soon as possible.