An overview of vestibular rehabilitation

S L Whitney; A A Alghwiri; A Alghadir

doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63437-5.00013-3

An overview of vestibular rehabilitation

Handb Clin Neurol. 2016:137:187-205. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63437-5.00013-3.

Authors

S L Whitney¹, A A Alghwiri², A Alghadir³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Electronic address: whitney@pitt.edu.
² Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
³ Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PMID: 27638071
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63437-5.00013-3

Abstract

Data related to the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation and its evolution as an intervention are provided. Concepts and various treatment strategies are described, with explanations of why people with uncompensated peripheral and central vestibular disorders might improve with rehabilitation. Various tests and measures are described that are commonly used to examine patients and determine their level of ability to participate in their environment. Factors that affect recovery, both positively and negatively, are described in order to better prognosticate recovery. A case utilizing many of the principles discussed is included to provide insight into how to utilize vestibular rehabilitation with a person with an uncompensated peripheral vestibular loss.

Keywords: International Classification of Functioning (ICF); dizziness; physical therapy; vertigo; vestibular rehabilitation; vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Physical Therapy Modalities*
Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / physiology
Vestibular Diseases / rehabilitation*