Vestibular Rehabilitation – Lisa Batchelor (MCSP)
Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physiotherapy specifically designed to treat patients suffering from vertigo, dizziness, nausea and loss of balance. The treatment is exercise-based and the exercises used have been proven to promote central nervous system compensation for a balance disorder.
In order for us to maintain our balance, as well as relying on sensory information from the balance organs in our inner ears, we also rely on our vision, the sensors on the soles of our feet and our joints. All these sensors send information about where our head and body is in space to the balance centres in the brain. This information is essential for the maintenance of balance. If the information from either our balance organs or the brain’s coordinating pathways is incorrect then the result maybe dizziness, nausea, vomiting and imbalance. Although this condition can be quite frightening and you may feel anxious, it is not usually serious or life threatening.
The most common causes of imbalance and dizziness include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – tiny crystals inside the balance organs become loose which causes brief attacks of vertigo precipitated by head movement.
- Ménière’s disease – an abnormality of the fluid in the inner ear which can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, fullness in the ear and imbalance.
- Vestibular neuritis (labyrinthitis) – a virus or infection that can damage the balance organs causing vertigo, nausea, vomiting and imbalance.
- Acoustic neuroma – a rare benign tumour around the ear that can lead to hearing and balance problems.
- Migraine-related balance disorders causing vertigo and imbalance.
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) – a condition of chronic dizziness arising out of vestibular disorders.
- Age-related changes.
- Head injuries.
What can we do to help?
Here at Cranfold Lisa will carry out a thorough assessment to establish the root of your problem before devising a customised programme of balance exercises to help resolve your symptoms.
Your treatment programme will include special exercises designed for your condition. You may also sometimes be given dietary and lifestyle advice.
If you have BPPV this can be treated with a simple head manoeuvre called the Epley’s manoeuvre.
Please call us on 01483267747 or book online for an assessment by our vestibular trained physiotherapist Lisa Batchelor and find out whether physiotherapy can help your dizziness and balance issues.
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