Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Are you struggling with balance deficits, experiencing dizziness or afraid of falling? Our goal is to evaluate and determine all the factors that may be contributing to your imbalance and implement a specialized treatment plan that will allow you to live life to your fullest potential.
While there are many factors contributing to imbalance, impairment of the vestibular system in the inner ear may be a leading cause. The vestibular system, along with your visual and sensory systems provide the brain with information about motion and your body’s position in space. When there is an impairment in one of these systems, your body experiences a mismatch of information resulting in imbalance.
Dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty stabilizing your gaze may also be symptoms of vestibular dysfunction. These symptoms are not only frightening and debilitating but can interfere with work, school, driving, and your overall independence. You may also be at a higher risk for falls during and after a bout of vertigo.
While there are many factors contributing to imbalance, impairment of the vestibular system in the inner ear may be a leading cause. The vestibular system, along with your visual and sensory systems provide the brain with information about motion and your body’s position in space. When there is an impairment in one of these systems, your body experiences a mismatch of information resulting in imbalance.
Dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty stabilizing your gaze may also be symptoms of vestibular dysfunction. These symptoms are not only frightening and debilitating but can interfere with work, school, driving, and your overall independence. You may also be at a higher risk for falls during and after a bout of vertigo.
What Causes Vestibular Disorders?
Possible causes include:
- Inner ear conditions such as neuritis or labyrinthitis
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), a condition where crystals in the inner ear move out of their normal position
- Trauma
- Neurological conditions
- Post-concussion
How Are Vestibular Disorders Treated?
Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to our Vestibular Program for therapy. You will work with a licensed therapist with specialized training in treating vestibular disorders. A typical evaluation includes a detailed history, oculomotor exam, positional testing to rule out BPPV, balance assessment and gait assessment. Treatment may include positional maneuvers to address BPPV in addition to an exercise program designed to improve balance, gait and gaze stability.
For More Information about our Vestibular Therapy Program call us at (207) 442-0325.