Specialised treatment of vestibular and balance conditions
What is a Vestibular Disorder?
The vestibular system includes the peripheral vestibular apparatus located in the inner ear and areas of the brain that process this information. The vestibular system is crucial for maintaining balance and for stability of gaze.
Vestibular disorders arise when a condition or injury affects any part of this system and can cause symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, visual disturbance, motion sensitivity and/or imbalance. Additionally, vestibular disorders restrict participation and independence in aspects of life (work, social, leisure, roles within the home), leading to more sedentary lifestyles, reduced quality of life and changes in mood.
Treatment of vestibular conditions will depend on the presenting symptoms, medical history, diagnostic test results and physical examination. Vestibular rehabilitation has high level evidence to be beneficial for treating dizziness and is safe, effective and relatively inexpensive. Involvement of other team members, such as audiologists, hearing therapists, CBT therapists and occupational therapists may also be helpful.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an evidence based, specialised form of therapy primarily aimed at reducing symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, visual disturbance and/or imbalance.
It is a graded exercise-based approach, intended to assist with brain compensation and increase a person’s independence following conditions causing imbalance or dizziness.
Treatment programs are personalised and will be dependent on the physiotherapists’ assessment findings.
Treatment will be goal focussed and progressive and you may be provided with exercises to complete independently on a regular basis.
Advice and education may also be provided to assist you with managing your symptoms more effectively a daily basis.
Common conditions treated
VESTIBULAR REHAB PHYSIO specializes in the management of a wide range of vestibular disorders. Below are the common conditions, but this is not an exhaustive list. Therefore if you have a condition not listed, please get in touch and we can discuss how VESTIBULAR REHAB PHYSIO can help you.
Inner ear conditions
Acoustic neuroma/vestibular schwannoma
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Bilateral vestibular hypofunction
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
Traumatic brain injury
Age related dizziness and imbalance
Mal de Debarquement
Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
Visuallly induced dizziness