Vestibular Rehabilitation

Theresa Ziegler, Physiotherapist

The vestibular system is the inner ear sensory system that provides information on spatial orientation, which is important for maintaining balance. Vestibular rehabilitation includes the treatment of vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and visual disturbances due to vestibular (inner ear system) disorders. Treatment aims to alleviate these symptoms through simple home exercises and in clinic treatment. In conjunction with treatment, you can often expect a decrease in secondary symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

One of the more commonly known and treated conditions in vestibular rehabilitation is Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV). This disorder causes symptoms of temporary spinning (vertigo) that is triggered by movement such as getting in and out of bed, looking up or down, and/or turning in bed. This condition occurs when calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become dislodged in the vestibular system and make their way into the semicircular canals within the inner ear. Diagnosis and treatment of BPPV is very simple and effective, often providing patients with a decrease in their symptoms that same day or a few days following. This is a very treatable condition that can often linger if not treated appropriately.

Vestibular rehabilitation can also help to treat balance issues associated with various neurological conditions, visual induced dizziness, dizziness caused by a neck dysfunction, and motion sensitivity to name a few. After a comprehensive clinical examination, the physical therapist will provide thorough education on your diagnosis, and prognosis or anticipated recovery. Patients are provided with a very simple customized exercise program to carry out independently at home prior to their next visit. These exercises may include balance retraining, motion habituation for motion sensitivity, visual exercise to challenge the visual disturbances, and/or canalith repositioning maneuvers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with balance and dizziness issues, schedule an assessment with Theresa to learn more about your options for treatment.