What is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is the treatment of symptoms that arise from problems related to the inner ear and balance system. Vestibular problems can have a massive impact on day-to-day life and feeling dizzy can be very unnerving. Vestibular rehabilitation involves specialist training which unfortunately is not common but here at Macauley Physiotherapy we are happy to say we can provide this service for you.
What causes vestibular problems?
There is a link between the eyes, balance system, inner ears and brain and when this works perfectly, we remain balanced, have stable vision and do not feel dizzy. When any element of this vestibular system goes wrong symptoms can arise including:
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Imbalance
- Brain Fog
- Headaches
- Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
- Visual Impairment
- Nausea and Motion Sickness
- Anxiety and many more
What vestibular conditions we treat?
Having a diagnosis is not required to attend for a vestibular assessment, more often than not patients come with a collection of signs and symptoms without knowing exactly what is causing it. The conditions that can cause vestibular problems are wide ranging and vestibular rehabilitation is an options in so many such as:
- Labyrinthitis
- Vestibular Neuronitis
- BPPV
- Migraine Associated Dizziness
- Post concussion syndrome
- Post head injury dizziness
- Meniere’s
- Dizziness in the elderly
- Acoustic Neuroma
What is involved in a vestibular physiotherapy assessment?
The start of the session is about information gathering and includes lots of questions to get a good history of the problem and to learn about the impact on your lifestyle and what you want to get back to doing.
The second half of the assessment uses several tests and includes neurological testing, eye tests, balance tests and positional tests. You can feel slightly symptomatic during these so plenty of time is allowed for the assessment to make you feel as comfortable as possible. From the assessment a diagnosis is given (where applicable), a plan is then made, and treatment started.
What type of treatments are offered?
Each patient treatment programme is designed specifically for them, as one treatment does not fit all with vestibular issues, but some common treatments offered include: –
- Epley Manoeuvre
- Gaze stability retaining
- Balance exercise
- Gait drills
- Pacing advice
- Coping strategy advice
- Relaxation
- Functional task practice
- Graded exposure tasks
Some treatments offer almost instant relief while others take many weeks or months. Your expected recovery will be discussed during the assessment.
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Unsure About Vestibular Rehabilitation?
If you are unsure about vestibular rehabilitation, request a free callback. We’ll guide you through how this specialised therapy can help you.
