Vestibular Therapy (VT) is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems due to vestibular disorders.
Neurological Assessment
Vestibular Therapy begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment that includes a detailed history of the symptoms and how these symptoms affect daily activities.
Along with an exercise-based program primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, reduce gaze instability, and/or reduce imbalance and fall risk, assessment and treatment will address any secondary impairments that are a consequence of the vestibular disorder.
Assessment also includes administering different tests using blackout goggles with an infrared camera to more objectively evaluate the problems. The therapist will screen the visual and vestibular systems with various tests that observe how well eye movements, body movements and balance are being controlled by these systems. The examination may also include tests of sensation (which include gathering information about pain), muscle strength, extremity and spine range of motion, coordination and posture.
Exercise-Based Treatment
An important part of VT is to establish an exercise program that can be performed regularly at home.
A customized exercise plan is developed from the findings of the clinical assessment, results from laboratory testing and imaging studies that may have been done, and input from patients about their goals for rehabilitation. Compliance with the home exercise program is essential to help achieve rehab and patients’ goals.
Along with prescribing and progressing exercise, education is an integral part of VT because it takes away much of the mystery of what patients are experiencing, which can help reduce any anxiousness that may occur because of the vestibular disorder.
You can learn more about vestibular assessment here.