Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a specialised form of therapy at treating people who have problems with the vestibular apparatus – that is, the part of the inner ear responsible for balance. Although conditions that affect the vestibular apparatus can’t always be cured, vestibular rehabilitation therapy works by helping the brain to compensate.
This compensation is divided into three categories.
- Adaptation – the process where the brain is able to adapt to the incorrect signals from the dysfunctional vestibular system.
- Habituation – the process that repeatedly exposes you to the vestibular movement and stimulation, so you gradually desensitise yourself.
- Substitution – using other body functions to compensate for the decreased vestibular function.
This means that symptoms of dizziness and vertigo settle, and balance improves.
The therapy programme includes three forms of exercise: habituation, gaze stabilisation, and balance training.
- Habituation involves gradual exposure to movements or visual stimuli that provoke dizziness. Over time, the brain learns to cope with these triggers.
- Gaze stabilisation involves learning to control eye movements while the head is moving. This is useful for people who find that moving their head causes their vision to jump.
- Balance training helps people to cope with their environment and daily activities without falling. You may be given stretching, strengthening and balance-specific exercises.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is designed around an individual and addresses their specific difficulties.
Epley, Gufoni or Semont manoeuvres are types of repositioning techniques that are often used to help with BPPV.
Your therapist will work with you to plan a tailored management programme, according to your needs.
