Vestibular rehabilitation is the treatment of dizziness symptoms caused by a disturbance of balance mechanisms in the inner ear.

The vestibular system of inner ear, eyes, muscles and joints of the body and the brain are all involved in co-ordinating balance. If any of this information is incorrect, the brain’s information is confused and the following symptoms may occur:

Types of Symptoms

Dizziness
Light-headedness
Off balance feelings
Nausea
Severe spinning

The most common cause of severe spinning is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV); this occurs when crystals normally occurring in the inner ear change position and stimulate the brain so that it thinks you are spinning. Severe spinning can last for seconds to minutes, which result in imbalance, which may last all day.

Vestibular Physiotherapy Consists of:

• A specific assessment of your symptoms using both questioning and examination tests.
• An explanation of why your symptoms are occurring.
• Individual exercise programme.
• Specific treatment manoeuvres may be needed for those patients with a diagnosis of BPPV.