Vestibular Physiotherapy
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What is the Vestibular System?
  • The vestibular system is a collection of organs in the inner ear, nerve pathways and the areas in the brain that regulate the awareness and control of balance.
  • Injury or disease to the vestibular system can cause disorders of dizziness and loss of balance. It is a common problem especially for middle aged and older individuals.

Common Vestibular DISORDERS include:
  • Benign paroxysmal positional Vertigo or BPPV (caused by crystals in the inner ear)
  • Vestibular neuritis (caused by infection or inflammation in the inner ear)
  • Labyrinthitis (caused by infection or inflammation in the inner ear)
  • Age related Dizziness and Imbalance​​
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Common Vestibular disorders SYMPTOMS include:
  • Imbalance or unsteadiness
  • Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
  • Dizziness
  • Blurry vision
  • Reduced hearing
  • Nausea
What does a Physiotherapist trained in Vestibular Therapy offer?
  • An ASSESSMENT (typically 45 minutes to an hour) is the first step.
  • Tests are conducted using Video goggles that record eye movements to help determine the cause of the dizziness/imbalance. The results of the testing is reviewed with you and a treatment plan is determined.
  • Many of the disorders causing dizziness can be successfully treated with physiotherapy.
  • Physiotherapy TREATMENT depends on the cause of the dizziness, and may include:
    • A repositioning maneuver for BPPV (the exact maneuver is determined by the results of the assessment, and should not be determined by a goggle search)
    • Instruction in specialized exercises to retrain the vestibular system.
    • Instruction in balance exercises and walking skills.