Vestibular rehabilitation is a therapeutic approach used to treat disorders related to the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and the perception of the body’s position in space. These disorders can be caused by conditions of the inner ear, vertigo, vestibular diseases, or head trauma.
Goals of Vestibular Rehabilitation:
- Reduce vertigo: Especially vertigo caused by inner ear disorders like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis.
- Improve balance and postural stability: Through specific exercises that strengthen balance mechanisms.
- Prevent falls: By improving coordination and spatial awareness, reducing the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
- Improve quality of life: Enabling patients to resume daily activities with greater ease.
Methods Used in Vestibular Rehabilitation:
- Ocular exercises (eye movements): To improve coordination between vision and the vestibular system.
- Balance and posture exercises: Aimed at strengthening muscles and improving body stability.
- Repositioning maneuvers: Such as the Epley maneuver, used in cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), to move the crystals (otoliths) back into place in the inner ear.
- Desensitization exercises: These involve gradually exposing the patient to movements that trigger symptoms, in order to decrease their intensity over time.
Common Indications:
Vestibular rehabilitation is recommended for:
- Chronic or recurrent vertigo.
- Balance disorders.
- Sequelae from a stroke or head trauma affecting the inner ear.
- BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo).
- Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis.
- After ear or vestibular nerve surgery.
It is typically carried out by a physical therapist specifically trained in this therapy. The program is tailored to the patient’s symptoms and capabilities.
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