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Vestibular Rehabilitation: Frequently Asked Questions

12 December 2022 by Sasha Meyer

According to the University of California San Francisco, approximately 40 percent of adults have experienced vertigo or dizziness in their lifetime. If you were recently diagnosed with vertigo or experience dizziness often, your doctor might recommend vestibular rehabilitation or vestibular therapy. 

Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions you might have about vestibular therapy.

What Exactly Is Vestibular Therapy?

If you suffer from issues with your balance, vertigo, or dizziness, your doctor might recommend vestibular rehabilitation therapy or VRT. Once the underlying cause of the dizziness or vertigo is diagnosed, the therapy, which consists of a variety of exercises and different equipment, a plan will be created.

For example, many patients begin their VRT with balance training. These exercises and movements work to improve the patient's balance, which can, in turn, help prevent future episodes of vertigo. Your doctor will determine which types of treatments are the best option to treat the underlying cause of your vertigo and instability.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Vestibular Therapy?

There are several conditions that can benefit from vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including:

• Vertigo
• Vestibular neuritis
• Migraines
• Stroke
• Meniere Disease

If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, such as the type of injury that occurs during a fall or an automobile accident, you might benefit from VRT. Basically, most conditions, diseases, or injuries that lead to chronic dizziness or instability can be treated with VRT.

What Can I Expect During My First Therapy Session?

Your technician will take a thorough medical history during this initial assessment and therapy session. Typically, an audiologist will perform a vestibular test battery. This test will determine if there are any issues with your inner ear and the severity of these issues.

Next, the therapist will ask you to perform several physical tests and exercises to determine your gait, balance, and flexibility.

Finally, your therapist will create a treatment plan to help you find relief from your dizziness and vertigo.

How Many Treatments Will I Require?

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine how many appointments you will require during this first therapy session. However, as you progress and if you begin to show signs of improvement, you will eventually require fewer therapy sessions.

Eventually, once you are able to learn how to control, treat, and prevent vertigo and dizziness on your own, you will no longer require vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

VRT is an excellent option for vertigo, dizziness, or instability. Talk to your doctor about any other questions you might have about vestibular therapy.  

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