It is estimated that over 40% of the adult population in the United States have experienced episodes of dizziness. In addition, damage to the vestibular system can cause problems with vertigo and balance which can impact the ability to complete daily living skills. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an exercise-based program designed to promote central nervous system compensation by retraining the brain to process signals from the vestibular system in coordination with visual input and input from the muscles and joints. Left untreated, vestibular problems can lead to falls, altered movement patterns and avoidance of activities. However, through vestibular rehabilitation, episodes of dizziness and vertigo can often be significantly decreased and often times even eliminated.
The Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist will develop an individualized treatment program that may include postural exercises, visual exercises and specific head movement that help to retrain the brain to coordinate signals from the vestibular system.