Vestibular Rehabilitation
Three sensory systems (the vestibular system, vision, and proprioception) provide your brain information in order for your body to maintain balance. These systems provide the brainstem information, which it processes and integrates before sending a signal to the muscles to maintain postural balance, and to your eyes to maintain steady vision.
The vestibular system is comprised 5 vestibular receptor organs: the utricle, saccule, and 3 semicircular canals. These five components make up what is known as the vestibular labyrinth. The utricle and saccule provide the brain information regarding acceleration in a straight line (ie, going up and down in an elevator, or flying straight in a plane) and the semicircular canals provide information regarding rotational movements of the head or angular acceleration or deceleration (ie. turning your head to look left or right or tilting your head to look up and down).
CONDITIONS IT TREATS
If you have episodes of vertigo or dizziness and experience any of the following symptoms, you may benefit from a vestibular therapy assessment.
the world is spinning
a spinning sensation but nothing around you is moving
lightheadedness, floating or rocking sensation
changes in your hearing (ie hearing loss or tinnitus)
sensitivity in a noisy environment
visual disturbances (difficulty in busy environments, such as stores, traffic, busy patterns)
fullness or pressure in your ears
assessment
The physical assessment may include neck mobility testing, vision tracking tests in sitting and positional testing (with the use of advanced technology infrared goggles), along with balance and gait may also be tested.
TREATMENT
In a vestibular assessment, a thorough detailed history is taken from the patient. Most conditions are ruled in or ruled out based on what the patient is experiencing with regard to symptoms. Depending on the assessment outcome, rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to: Vision exercises, balance exercises, gait exercises, walking programs, activities in the community, visual vertigo videos, motion sensitivity exercises, cervical treatment, education, activity modifications and/or falls risk education.
POST-TREATMENT
It is advised that you have a driver bring you to your appointment as the assessment process may aggravate symptoms.
Find more information on the vestibular system, conditions, and dizziness.
