Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) or Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based program designed to help reduce the symptoms caused by vestibular disorders such as dizziness, vertigo, falls, imbalance, and visual problems. These symptoms can also present with issues such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of vertigo. Vertigo, dizziness, and trouble with balance are the most common symptoms of vestibular dysfunction, which can be helped with vestibular rehabilitation. Some of the most common causes of vestibular dysfunction include head injury, aging, medications, viral infection, displacement of “crystals” within the inner ear, and genetic or environmental factors (exposure to certain drugs or chemicals).
VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION THERAPY
INDIVIDUALIZED VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION PROGRAM
The therapist will develop a customized program based on the findings from the assessment and laboratory tests and imaging results and create a treatment plan and course of treatment that suit the client’s unique goals. Combining in-clinic therapy and a home exercise program will help achieve rehabilitation and patient goals. Each individualized program is unique and based on individuals’ needs which can consist of a combination of manual therapy and self-treatment exercises to help prevent or treat new dizziness and balance issues. Examples of exercises you might learn to include specific positional exercises, vision stability training, postural training, balance retraining, walking exercises, habituation and orientation exercises, neck mobility/stretching exercises, and general strengthening and fitness exercises.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT
The VRT begins with a thorough initial assessment with the patient to discuss symptoms and detailed history related to the condition and perform tests to determine the cause of the condition. The initial vestibular assessment consists of answering a few questionnaires regarding the characteristics of vertigo, dizziness, and balance concerns, along with social and functional limitations due to those concerns. This is followed by objective assessments that might include: neck mobility measurements, coordination tests, visual and motor coordination tests, positional testing, motion sensitivity assessments, and balance and walking assessments.
WHO CAN ENROLL
Anyone with Vestibular Dysfunction, Vertigo, dizziness, and trouble with balance are the most common symptoms of vestibular dysfunction, which can be helped with vestibular rehabilitation.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
This care program has some exclusion criteria, which are significant red flags that may prevent the individual from being eligible to participate in this program. Please consult a healthcare practitioner or contact us to confirm eligibility.
WHEN WILL I BE DISCHARGED
To be discharged from the Vestibular Rehabilitation Program, one or more of the following criteria must be met:
- The person served has achieved the goals established with the rehabilitation team.
- The services of the health care providers are no longer necessary or appropriate.
- The person’s progress has reached a plateau, and they no longer benefit from the program’s services.
- When the person served cannot tolerate the demands of the program and the appropriate referrals have been made.