Vestibular and Vertigo

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy prescribed to treat and improve the symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It often involves manual head maneuvers and/or a progressive program of exercises designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, visual issues, and/or imbalance and falls.

After an injury to the vestibular system occurs, the central nervous system can compensate for reduced function of the inner ears. Essentially, the brain copes with the imbalanced signals coming from the vestibular system by learning to rely more heavily on alternative signals coming from other systems in the body to maintain vestibular balance. This can be achieved through various exercise strategies. When this central (or brain) compensation occurs, the patient’s symptoms can be alleviated and allows them to return to normal function.