Vestibular Rehabilitation

The vestibular system is the sensory system that controls coordination and spacial orientation. The vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. Sometimes, this system can be damaged by disease, aging or injury and vestibular disorders are the result. If your vestibular system is damaged, you may benefit from Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). VRT is an exercise-based therapy program used to decrease symptoms including imbalance, dizziness and vertigo.

Patients who would benefit from vestibular rehabilitation include those with:

• Vertigo
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• A Balance Disorder
• Disequilibrium
• A Concussion

Goals And Objectives of Therapy

• Decrease in symptoms of vertigo and dizziness
• Improved balance and thereby a decreased risk of falls
• Improved gaze stability

What to Expect with Vestibular Rehabilitation Treatment

Patients can expect an individualized program that will include patient education. Therapy may also include:

• Home exercise program
• Repositioning maneuvers
• Habituation exercises
• Balance exercises
• Gaze stability exercises

It should be noted that while patients are undergoing VRT, the treatment and assessments may bring on/trigger their symptoms. It is possible that patients may experience an increase in their symptoms for a few hours after treatment.

Referrals

Individuals who would like to be seen for Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy at one of our therapy centers will need a physician referral to initiate the assessment.