Physical therapy program for vestibular rehabilitation

Dizziness and balance disorders are among the most frustrating problems for many physicians to treat. Traditional interventions such as medication or surgical procedures offer limited improvement for many patients. Although generic habituation exercises have existed for years, the merits of vestibular rehabilitation are only beginning to be recognized. Current retrospective studies indicate that 85 percent of patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction gain at least partial relief of their symptoms after undergoing vestibular rehabilitation, with approximately 30 percent of patients being completely cured. This modality provides a valuable and rational complement to current established methods of treating the patient with dizziness. Many physicians and physical therapists may be unfamiliar with these new techniques and require clarification of the actual therapeutic approaches in use. This article describes the current evaluation and treatment approach utilized in the vestibular rehabilitation program at the University of Michigan Medical Center.