Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of therapy designed to help people who experience dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.

 

The vestibular apparatus, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.  This part of the inner ear, the nerves that connect it to the brain, and the part of the brain that it connects to, is called the vestibular system.  When this system is disrupted due to injury, illness, or other factors, it can result in symptoms like vertigo, dizziness and imbalance.

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Vestibular rehabilitation involves exercises and manoeuvers aimed at improving the function of the vestibular system and promoting adaptation to its dysfunction. These exercises can include:

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• Balance exercises to focus on improving stability and coordination by challenging the body's ability to maintain balance in various positions.

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• Gaze stabilization exercises to train the eyes to remain focused on objects despite head movements, which can reduce symptoms of dizziness and vertigo.

   

• Habituation exercises to reduce sensitivity to situations that provoke symptoms, with these goal of reducing sensitivity and improving tolerance over time.

   

• Canalith repositioning manoeuvers (eg Epley) are used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common vestibular disorder characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes of head position.

   

• General conditioning exercises to improve overall strength, flexibility, and endurance to support better balance and mobility.

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Vestibular rehabilitation is tailored to the individual's specific symptoms, goals, and underlying condition.  The ultimate aim is to reduce symptoms, improve balance and stability, and enhance overall quality of life for individuals affected by vestibular dysfunction.