Physiotherapy, rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a specialised form of therapy aimed at relieving dizziness, vertigo, gaze stabilisation disorders and problems with balance and falling. The therapy starts with a thorough assessment of vestibular, oculomotor and balance functions and is based on an individually designed exercise plan considering the individual needs of the patient.

In addition to exercises, patient and family education is an essential part of the therapy. Understanding your condition can often reduce the anxiety that can accompany vestibular disorders. The therapist can give practical advice on how to cope better with the problems caused by vestibular disorders in everyday life and explain what to expect from the therapy.

Vestibular rehabilitation is an effective treatment for the following balance disorders:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Unilateral vestibular loss, including vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the balance nerve), labyrinthitis (inner ear inflammation), and Ménière’s disease
• Migraine-associated vertigo/dizziness
• Damage to the vestibular organ of the inner ear after ear surgery or trauma, for example, after removal of a vestibular schwannoma
• Bilateral damage to the vestibular organ of the inner ear, which can occur as a result of the use of ototoxic or vestibular drugs (usually chemotherapy drugs such as Cisplatin)
• Age-related changes in the balance system, or presbyvestibulopathy
• Chronic dizziness, including PPPD (persistent postural perceptual dizziness)

Contraindications and consequences

• Exercises may cause balance disturbances, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are part of the exercises and are induced in an environment that is safe for the patient. Usually these symptoms are mild and temporary, allowing you to resume your daily activities after the exercises. It is normal to feel worse during the first few days of exercise; this is a temporary phenomenon and it is important to continue exercising. Over time, symptoms should decrease.
• The main danger of the exercises is falling, which can cause injuries. To avoid this, it is important to follow all safety precautions when carrying out the exercises.