Regaining Your Balance With Vestibular Therapy

Anyone who has ever had vertigo knows how unsettling the experience can be. Characterized by a sense that the world is spinning even while you’re standing still, symptoms can range from a mildly uncomfortable unsteadiness to a completely debilitating type of motion sickness with nausea or even vomiting. For the lucky ones, episodes can last for just a few seconds, while others may deal with it for hours, days, or even years.

But no matter the severity or duration of the condition, many people can find relief through vestibular therapy (VT).

A specialized form of physical therapy, VT focuses on reducing or eliminating balance issues. In the case of vertigo, the first step in VT is an evaluation. The evaluation helps determine specifically what part of the vestibular system is being affected.

A common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This is when tiny, naturally occurring calcium crystals come loose from their normal location in the ear and float in the fluid-filled spaces of the inner ear. BPVV symptoms typically occur with changes in head position.

In some cases, the evaluation will point to other causes of vertigo including vestibular neuronitis Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis, and perilymph fistula.

Regardless of the cause, vestibular therapy may be able to help.

The specific movements and therapies used in an individual’s treatment will vary based on the underlying cause. In the case of BPPV, a common treatment is the Epley maneuver, which works to relocate the displaced crystals and typically brings full or partial relief in one or two sessions.

For other types of vertigo and imbalance, treatment may involve exercises that help strengthen the vestibular system, or help the brain adjust and adapt to altered signals being sent by the involved nerves. These exercises may include head and eye movements, as well as full body balance challenges. Many of the activities done in a therapy session can also be done at home to improve balance day-to-day, and to help manage symptoms whenever a vertigo episode occurs.

Most VT sessions last 30 minutes to one hour, depending upon the complexity of the case. Covered by insurance, VT can be life changing for those living with vertigo or general dizziness.

To learn if VT is right for you, contact your doctor to request a referral for VT.

Noelle De Geus, PT, DPT, is a member of the SVMC Outpatient Rehabilitation team focusing on neurological rehabilitation with a special interest in Parkinson’s Disease and Vertigo.