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Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation

What is vestibular rehab?

Vertigo and imbalance are conditions that can and should be treated with physical therapy. With testing supported by Emory University, our vestibular certified therapists are able to evaluate, diagnose and treat all types of vestibular dysfunction.

Vestibular pathology is treated through customized protocols of habituation, substitution, and or adaptation exercises. The protocol is determined through the results of vestibular testing at the initial evaluation. Most patients experience an average of 85–100% improvement in symptoms.

What can I expect during an evaluation and treatment?

A patient will be sitting for most of the evaluation and the therapist examines the patient’s eyes and ability to focus on a target.  In addition, functional balance testing is performed which can involve some standing and walking, but first determined by the patient’s fall risk.  These tests, supported by clinical research, help the physical therapist determine the factors contributing to the symptoms, including:

  • Peripheral (coming from the inner ear)
  • Central (coming from another source)
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (coming from crystals that have moved to the wrong part of the vestibular system)
  • Cervicogenic dizziness (coming from the neck)

These techniques have been validated by Emory University and allow for the therapist to design an individualized treatment program for the patient. 

What are the symptoms of vestibular pathologies?

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: True vertigo with room spinning dizziness, may include: nausea, vomiting and imbalance. Occurs with position changes, moving in and out of bed or looking up.
  • Vestibular Migraines, Peripheral Vestibulopathy, Meniere’s Disease, Disequilibrium: Dizziness, “Inside the head” or feeling off balance, includes imbalance, difficulty with focusing/concentrating, lightheadedness, nausea, motion sickness, headache, aural fullness, tinnitus and blurry vision/floaters.
  • Cervicogenic Dizziness & Post-Concussive Syndrome: Dizziness or headiness with neck pain or stiffness, including imbalance, difficulty focusing/concentrating, lightheadedness, nausea, motion sickness, headache, aural fullness, tinnitus and blurry vision/floaters.
  • Mal De Debarquement: A rocking or bobbing feeling even with no movement, may include: imbalance, difficulty focusing/concentrating, light-headedness, nausea, motion sickness, headache, aural fullness, tinnitus, blurry vision and/or vision with floaters.

Please call (773) 665-9950 for more information or schedule an onsite or virtual appointment.

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