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What is vestibular rehabilitation?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of therapy designed to maximize the body’s balance senses.

Normally the brain is able to put together information from the eyes, joints and the balance organ in the ear (vestibular apparatus) to make it easy to move around without dizziness. If the balance organ is not working properly, dizziness or feelings of unsteadiness occur.

To remedy this, the brain must be helped to put this information together in a new way. Vestibular rehabilitation will help the brain to process the information it receives in a new way to help return balance and reduce dizzy symptoms.

What about my other symptoms?

Although the process of recovery after a dizzy spell can happen to some extent automatically, the speed of recovery varies.

You may find that it is unpleasant to move your head as it brings on the dizziness and decide to keep your head very still.

Avoiding movement will delay recovery. It can also lead to developing neck stiffness and poor posture. If the symptoms persist for a long time, other problems may develop.

These may include:

  • loss of confidence and fall
  • inability to plan your lif
  • reduction of hobbies or leisure activities.

Restricting movements and shying away from daily activity can lead to a progressive loss of function and a decline in quality of life.

Why have I been referred to the physiotherapist?

The physiotherapist will assess your dizziness and unsteadiness and will advise you on the best exercises to help you manage symptoms.Restricting movements and shying away from daily activity can lead to a progressive loss of function and a decline in quality of life.

When should I do the movements?

Your physiotherapist will advise and guide you on how to do the activities at your own pace and you can therefore choose how to plan and fit them into your own day

What can I expect?

The physiotherapist will want to know about your dizziness and unsteadiness and how it affects your daily life. They may then look at your balance in various positions, for example walking and standing, and do other tests for dizziness. They will then discuss with you the best way to manage and treat your symptoms.

Why do I need to move?

You need to move to help the brain learn how not to feel dizzy so that you can take control of the symptoms you experience.

Will the movements bring on my symptoms?

The exercises you will be taught will be demonstrated to you by the physiotherapist are designed to re-programme your brain to tune out the dizzy sensations. The exercises will bring on your symptoms but in a very controlled manner. If you do not bring on the dizziness at all, the movements will not work.

When should I do the movements?

Your physiotherapist will advise and guide you on how to do the activities at your own pace and you can therefore choose how to plan and fit them into your own day.

How often will I need to see the physiotherapist?

You will be reviewed by the physiotherapist to make sure that the activities are helping and they will check on your progress.

After discharge, should your symptoms come back, you may be referred back to the physiotherapist via your GP, or advised to restart the home exercises you have been given.

Further information

If you would like further information about vestibular rehabilitation, please speak to your physiotherapist.

Other useful telephone numbers and contacts:

For appointments Telephone: 01695 656680 Email: soh-tr.appointments@nhs.net

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments,compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team

Telephone: 0151 471 2377
Freephone: 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk 

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