Wick effect

Vestibular Rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by Vestibular disorders. It is an exercise-based program primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls.

Overview

For most people with a Vestibular disorder, the deficit is permanent because the amount of restoration of vestibular function is very small. However, after vestibular system damage, people can feel better and function can return through compensation. This occurs because the brain learns to use other senses (vision and somatosensory, i.e. body sense) to substitute for the deficient vestibular system. The health of particular parts of the nervous system (brainstem and cerebellum, visual, and somatosensory sensations) is important in determining the extent of recovery that can be gained through compensation.

Goals of Vestibular Rehabilitation

The goal of Vestibular Rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is to use other senses to substitute for the deficient vestibular system. The success of VRT likely depends upon both the degree of vestibular damage or impairment, and the effectiveness of central compensation. However, even individuals with a long-term uncompensated vestibular disorder can often benefit from VRT.

Techniques

VRT uses customized exercises that result in gaze and gait stabilization. Most VRT exercises involve head movement, and head movements are essential in stimulating and retraining the vestibular system.

Treatment

Treatment is designed to promote gaze stability through exercises that often involve keeping the head still while moving the body. To improve balance and increase activity levels, exercises are designed to improve the person’s ability to maintain posture and coordinate balance while performing several tasks at the same time.

See Also

• Vestibular system
• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• Gait

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