Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate problems such as vertigo, dizziness, gaze instability and or/ imbalance and falls caused by vestibular disorders. Other problems can arise secondary to vestibular disorders, such as nausea and/or vomiting, reduced concentration or focus, and fatigue. 

 

Who benefits from vestibular retraining? 

 

Patients that are typically referred for vestibular rehabilitation are those diagnosed with dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, Meniere’s syndrome, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neck-related dizziness, and migraines. Other candidates may include those that have had a stroke or brain injury or who have frequent falls. 

 

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

 

• Balance and/or leg strength flexibility

• Visual stability and mobility 

• Neck mobility and neck and arm strength

• Positional testing

• Gait (how you walk)

 

Once the above areas have been evaluated, your physical therapist will create an individualized plan of care in order to improve any deficits that were identified. This, in turn, will improve your ability to function in activities of daily living, reduce your symptoms in order to ultimately, help improve your quality of life.