Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It is an exercise-based program primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, visual disturbance, and/or imbalance and falls. After injury to the vestibular system occurs, the central nervous system can compensate for reduced function of the inner ears. Essentially, the brain copes with the disorientating signals coming from the vestibular system by learning to rely more on alternative signals coming from other systems in the body to maintain balance. This is achieved through various exercise strategies outlined below. With compensation, the patient’s symptoms can be alleviated which allows them to return to normal function.
What Types of Problems Benefit From VRT?
Patients typically referred for Vestibular Rehabilitation have been diagnosed with a vestibular condition including:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis
- Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (UVH)
- Vestibular Migraine
- Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
- Mal de Debarquement (MDD)
- Cervicogenic Dizziness
- Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
- Neurological conditions (i.e. stroke, traumatic brain injury)
- Recurrent Vestibulopathy
Dizziness can be caused by many other different reasons.
If you have not yet been assessed or diagnosed with a vestibular condition, common symptoms that can be helped with vestibular rehabilitation include:
- Vertigo (sense of spinning)
- Dizziness at rest
- Dizziness or altered vision with head movements
- Neck tightness, stiffness and/or pain
- Imbalance (difficulty getting up or walking without holding onto something)
- Headaches
- Frequent falls
Hannah Williams has advanced training and specific tools to successfully treat any vestibular problems.
Click Here to book with Hannah and get back on the up and up!
