Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) or vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It is an exercise-based program primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, to improve balance and reduce problems related to dizziness and falls.

For patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), we need to identify the type of BPPV the patient is suffering from, and then different repositioning exercises can be performed.

BPPV is a mechanical problem in the inner ear. It occurs when some of the calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) that are normally embedded in gel in the utricle become dislodged and migrate into one or more of the 3 fluid-filled semicircular canals, where they are not supposed to be. When enough of these particles accumulate in one of the canals they interfere with the normal fluid movement that these canals use to sense head motion, causing the inner ear to send false signals to the brain.

BPPV occurs most commonly following position changing, such as lying down, turning over in bed, bending over, and looking up. A short delay, often less than 15 seconds, may follow a position change before symptoms start. This dizzy sensation, called vertigo, is brief and intense and usually lasts for about 15-45 seconds. However, symptoms may last for up to 2 minutes if the crystals become stuck to part of the inner ear. The episodes of vertigo occur frequently for weeks or months at a time. During these episodes, you may feel like the room is spinning around you, and you also may feel lightheaded, off balance, and nauseous.

The most common symptoms of a vestibular disorder are:

  • Dizziness
  • A sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving (vertigo)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache or migraine
  • Balance problems
  • Losing control of posture
  • Uncoordinated, jerky limb movements
  • Vertigo, or spinning sensation
  • Double or blurred vision
  • Motion sickness
  • Frequent, unexplained falls

Vestibular disorders can be a result of or occur along with a variety of conditions, such as:

  • Migraine
  • Hearing loss
  • Ear infections
  • Concussion

Conditions Treated:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (positional dizziness/vertigo)

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular Labyrinthitis

Acoustic Neuroma

Cerebellar Degeneration

Age Related Multisensory Deficits

Uncompensated Ménières Disease

Inner ear concussion syndrome.

traumatic brain injury

Post-concussion syndrome.

 

about us

We are providing comprehensive and dynamic rehabilitative services to adult patients with Musculoskeletal problems, Sport injuries, Gait abnormality, Neurological disorders, Vestibular problems and... More

  • Upper East Manhattan, 162 East 78th street, 5th floor, New York, NY, 10075
  • 9174727003
  • [email protected]
  • 9174727173

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