Vestibular / Balance / BPPV
What is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program, designed by a specialized physical therapist, to improve balance and reduce problems related to dizziness.
How is dizziness defined?
Dizziness can be described as:
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Feelings of unsteadiness
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Lightheadedness
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Feelings of passing out
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Sensations of moving
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Spinning
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Floating
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Swaying
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Tilting
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Vertigo
These feelings or sensations can occur when you are standing still, lying down, or changing positions. The symptoms can be constant or episodic in nature, only lasting seconds, minutes or hours.
Inner Ear / Balance
At your appointment, a physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms and review your medical history. Your assessment will include all or part of the following areas:
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Balance and/or leg strength/flexibility
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Gait (how you walk)
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Visual stability and mobility
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Neck mobility and neck and arm strength
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Positional testing, including an inner ear exam
Getting Better
What type of recovery/outcome can I expect from vestibular rehabilitation?
Expected vestibular rehabilitation outcomes include:
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Decreased risk of falling
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A decrease in dizziness symptoms
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Improved balance
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Improved ability to stabilize vision/gaze
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Increased body strength
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Return to prior level of movement/function
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Increase in confidence in ability to maintain balance
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Improved neck motion, reduced symptoms
How successful is vestibular rehabilitation therapy?
Many times, vestibular rehabilitation therapy will be the only treatment needed. Other times, it is a part of the pre surgery / post surgery treatment plan. In most cases, if patients continue to perform the exercises they have learned, balance and dizziness problems decrease significantly or completely disappear.
