Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
05:02
Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction
Published on: August 30, 2019
Osteopathic manipulative treatment and vertigo: a pilot study.
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA. mfraix@westernu.edu
Summary
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is safe and feasible for vertigo patients, showing significant symptom improvement. Further research is recommended to confirm OMT
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
- Osteopathic Medicine
Background:
- Vertigo significantly impacts quality of life.
- Limited research exists on non-pharmacological treatments for vertigo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and feasibility of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for patients experiencing vertigo.
- To assess the potential effectiveness of OMT in reducing vertigo symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A nonrandomized pilot study was conducted in an outpatient clinic.
- 18 patients older than 18 with vertigo for over 3 months were enrolled.
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) was administered, and outcomes were measured using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI).
Main Results:
- 16 out of 18 patients completed the OMT course.
- Significant improvements in DHI scores (P<.001) were observed post-treatment.
- Adverse effects, such as vertigo exacerbation (16.7%) and muscle soreness (27.8%), were mild and transient.
Conclusions:
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is generally well-tolerated and feasible for patients with vertigo.
- The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a suitable tool for data collection in this population.
- A randomized controlled trial is warranted to further investigate the efficacy of OMT for vertigo.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Equilibrium and Balance
The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...
01:29The Vestibular System
The vestibular system is a set of inner ear structures that provide a sense of balance and spatial orientation. This system is comprised of structures within the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the cochlea and two otolith organs—the utricle and saccule. The labyrinth also contains three semicircular canals—superior, posterior, and horizontal—that are oriented on different planes.