Vestibular rehabilitation therapy

Neurophysiol Clin. 2008 Dec;38(6):479-87. doi: 10.1016/j.neucli.2008.09.011. Epub 2008 Oct 16.

Abstract

Dizziness and balance disorders are frequent complaints in the general population. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises have been shown to be efficient in controlled studies, provided that a precise, individual diagnosis has previously been made. Depending on the pathology, a subject with a peripheral vestibular pathology can benefit from manoeuvres aiming at dislodging or repositioning otoliths, from non-specific muscles strengthening techniques, from techniques for vestibular-ocular or vestibular-cervical stabilisation of gaze, or from physical exercises aimed at strengthening proprioceptive afferents, inhibiting a sensory predominance, or improving spatial orientation and navigation. These analytical exercises should then be implemented in an ecological context in order to favour transfer to daily-living activities. These physical exercises can enable the development of compensation strategies following vestibular damage (habituation, adaptation and substitution).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Exercise Therapy
  • Humans
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Vertigo / diagnosis
  • Vertigo / rehabilitation
  • Vestibular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Vestibular Diseases / rehabilitation*