What is Vestibular Physical Therapy

• Dr chetan Kumar

What is Vestibular Physical Therapy and How Does It Work?

A specific form of rehabilitation, called vestibular therapy, may benefit you if you suffer from dizziness or vertigo. Vestibular therapy is rehabilitation that helps with vertigo, unsteadiness, and dizziness. This can quickly help you get back to normal functioning without dizziness.

Vestibular problems: Symptoms

Your vestibular organ is an unusual structure within your inner ear. There are two of these: one on each side. Your vestibular organs tell your brain where your head is and coordinate your eye movements according to that position.

Some symptoms of vestibular problems include:

• Dizziness

• You will feel a rush of adrenaline

• Maintaining a healthy balance is difficult

• It isn't easy to stabilize your eyes when looking at objects

• Fogginess in your Head

• Headache

• Nausea

You should immediately consult your doctor if you experience any vestibular symptoms. Your condition will be diagnosed by a doctor who will examine you. These symptoms could be signs of a serious condition such as a stroke. If this is the case, it is important to consult your doctor immediately.

The doctor will assess your condition and recommend physical therapy for vestibular problems.

Conditions to be considered

Vestibular physical therapy can be beneficial for people with symptoms from various conditions. These conditions are often treated:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).: BPPV is a condition that causes mild to severe dizziness. 

• Vestibular Hypofunction: This condition causes dizziness and disorientation by reducing the inner ear's balance.

• Meniere's syndrome: A condition in the inner ear that can lead to hearing loss or dizziness.

• Head Injury: This is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or strong hit to the head, which causes the head to shake rapidly.

• Vestibular headache: A neurological condition that causes throbbing or pounding headaches.

• Multiple Sclerosis: An illness of the brain or spinal cord in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath covering the nerve fibers.

• A chronic and stable stroke is a condition in which blood supply to a part of the brain has been reduced. This prevents brain tissue from receiving the oxygen and nutrients that it requires.

Who administers Vestibular Rehabilitation?

A physical therapist who is experienced in treating vestibular and balance problems can perform vestibular physical therapy. The Indian Institute of Balance has certified many vestibular therapists as specialists in vestibular therapy.

What is a Physical Therapist (PT), and How Does it Work?

PTs are licensed professionals that help people with disabilities, impairments, or limitations with their physical functions. Physical therapy can help prevent injuries from happening again.

Even though they are not certified in vestibular treatment, physical therapists can still provide assessments and treatments for vertigo and dizziness. However, a certified vestibular specialist will improve your chances of success.

Some vestibular rehabilitation specialists could be occupational therapy or ear and nose doctors (otolaryngologists).

Procedures

An initial evaluation is usually the first step in vestibular physical therapy. Next, your therapist will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment to help you heal. Finally, your diagnosis and specific needs will determine the treatment you receive.

Procedures often include:

• Otolith positioning maneuvers (for people with BPPV) Involve head maneuvers to shift the canalith particles in the inner ear (otoconia). Shifting canalith particles in the ear that cause dizziness may help.

• Postural exercise: These exercises can improve posture and align the spine and neck.

• Neck range motion Stretching your neck can reduce muscle tension and pain and keep your muscles free to move freely.

• Gaze stabilization Exercises: These exercises help improve vision while the head moves, thereby reducing dizziness.

• Balance exercise: Practice balance exercises to reduce fall risk when standing or walking in case of vertigo.

How long should vestibular physical therapy take?

The majority of the series of vestibular therapy lasts between four and eight weeks. Patients may attend therapy once a week or more often. Patients may do exercises at home to improve their vestibular system, and they will also check in with their physical therapy at regular intervals.

Remember that everyone is unique. Your individual needs and condition may dictate the length of your sessions. Talk to your physician and physical therapist to discuss your options for vestibular rehabilitation.

A word from Sarwarpro

Dizziness can make it difficult to do everyday tasks and negatively impact your quality of living. However, many exercises can help you feel better again.

An expert in balance and the vestibular system can help you improve your posture, mobility, or gaze stability. This will allow you to quickly reduce or eliminate dizziness symptoms and help you return to normal function.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vestibular physical therapist?

The specialized field of vestibular physical therapy can help those suffering from vertigo, loss, or dizziness.

What exercises can you expect from vestibular therapy?

Vertigo symptoms can be treated with a variety of exercises. These exercises may be specific to your condition and include the Epley maneuver and balance, postural, and gaze stabilization exercises.

What is the best time to undergo vestibular physical therapy after a concussion?

Research has shown that vestibular physical therapy can be accessed quickly for concussion. 2 After acute symptoms subside (about one to two weeks), you can start rehabilitation.