Vestibular Therapy

Vestibular therapy is a type of treatment used for specific forms of vertigo and dizziness.

Common conditions treated with vestibular therapy include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

• Vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis

• Vestibular migraine

• Unilateral vestibular hypofunction

• Cervicogenic dizziness

• Post concussion syndrome

• Meniere’s disease

• Vestibular deconditioning (due to age or inactivity)

The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and plays an essential role in detecting head position and movement. It coordinates with other senses (ie. vision and joint positional awareness) to maintain balance and postural control.

When the vestibular system is not working correctly it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• dizziness or disequilibrium

• vertigo (spinning sensation)

• balance difficulty

• changes with walking (ie. drifting to one side)

• vision changes (blurry vision, difficulty looking at
  screens, difficulty reading)

• cognitive changes (memory and focus difficulty, anxiety and depression)

• nausea or vomiting

Vestibular disorders can come ‘out of the blue’ or be connected with other conditions or diseases, for example, after a motor vehicle accident, or concussion. The most common cause is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).

Vestibular therapy begins with a thorough assessment, which consists of:

• a detailed history of your symptoms and medical history

• evaluation of eye movements and head movements

• assessment of balance, walking pattern and motion sensitivity

• assessment of other areas which may contribute to dizziness and balance (ie. the neck)

Following an assessment, a variety of treatment options are available, depending on the cause of the symptoms. Treatment can include, visual exercises, canalith repositioning maneuvers, balance exercises, and motion sensitivity training. In the case of BPPV, canalith repositioning maneuvers are used to treat this condition, often with dramatic and quick resolution of symptoms.

Dizziness and vertigo disorders can be frustrating to deal with, and they are frequently mismanaged in the health care system. Vestibular therapy, however, is backed by research and highly effective at treating vestibular disorders. Unfortunately, it is not well known. Physiotherapists who practice vestibular therapy have done specialized post graduate courses in order to treat these conditions.

Please reach out if you have any questions regarding vestibular therapy.