Vestibular Rehabilitation
The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis is committed to providing specialized care for individuals with dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance. Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on patient goals and functional limitations to regain confidence in balance and safety.
What are vestibular disorders?
The human balance system depends on information the brain receives from three different sources: the eyes, the muscles and joints, and the vestibular organs in the inner ear. When the vestibular organs are damaged, the brain can no longer rely on them for accurate information, which often results in dizziness and unsteadiness.
Symptoms of a vestibular disorder may be frightening and difficult to describe. The following is a list of symptoms that often occur with vestibular deficits:
- Vertigo- spinning or whirling sensation; the illusion of movement of the environment
- Dizziness- lightheadedness, floating, rocking sensation
- Imbalance- Unsteadiness, difficulty walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces
- Visual Disturbances- trouble reading, sensitivity to busy environments or computer
- Headache, muscle stiffness, nausea, tinnitus, hearing loss or sensitivity to loud noises
The extra physical and mental effort required to maintain balance and manage symptoms can result in significant fatigue which may result in difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, anxiety, or depression.
How can vestibular rehabilitation help?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise based program that uses specific movements to stimulate the inner ear vestibular system to work together with the brain, eyes, and body. Individual treatment programs are designed to:
- Decrease or eliminate vertigo or dizziness
- Increase balance, function and safety
- Improve visual focusing and tolerance of visual motion
- Increase activity levels, confidence and conditioning
What is involved in vestibular therapy?
A thorough evaluation is conducted to determine a comprehensive problem list affecting a person’s ability to function. Specific goals for the patient are developed and a clinical/ home treatment program is initiated. Detailed exercises include:
Occulomotor Exercises-
Movements designed to improve gaze stabilization and eye-head coordination.
Balance Retraining-
Exercises designed to improve coordination of muscles for postural control, strength, and fall prevention.
Vestibular Habituation-
Specific movements or positions that provoke dizziness to stimulate the brain to adapt for symptom resolution.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers for BPPV-
Specific maneuvers or positioning that is 95% effective is correcting the mechanical dysfunction of benign positional vertigo.
Additional Information
Please contact The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis at 314-658-3950 or visit rehabinstitutestl.com for more information about Vestibular Rehabilitation or other treatment programs.
