Vestibular Rehabilitation
Our Registered Physiotherapists have specialized training in the treatment of vestibular disorders nationally and internationally.
Increasing the senses together.
Our Physiotherapists have diverse Vestibular Rehab training and certification including our Concussion & Vestibular Rehab Director who has been certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation through the Duke University School of Medicine, which provides extensive post-graduate training in the assessment and treatment of vestibular disorders. With clinical and evidence-based protocols comparable to hospital programs, you can expect a shorter wait time to schedule a Vestibular Assessment at our clinic.
Which conditions can be treated with Vestibular Rehabilitation?
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
- Vestibular Neuritis
- Labrynthitis
- Vestibular Hypofunction or Loss
- Meniere’s Disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops)
- PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness)
- Recurrent Vestibulopathy
- Vestibular Migraine
- Post Concussion Syndrome
- Cervicogenic Dizziness
- Increased risk for falls
- Balance or Gait Disorders
What might an Individualized Vestibular Rehabilitation program consist of?
- Education and one-on-one support
- Manual (hands-on) therapy and positional manoeuvres (if indicated)
- An individualized exercise program consisting of gaze stabilization and habituation exercises, balance and gait training (if indicated)
- Cardiovascular fitness training (if indicated)
- Depending on the type of vestibular dysfunction, symptoms can resolve in several visits or can require more time
- Our protocols are evidence-based and individualized to each patient and are based on the most current research
What are the symptoms of Vestibular Dysfunction?
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- Imbalance
- Anxiety
- Vision problems (ex. Blurred vision)
What does a Vestibular Assessment consist of?
- A comprehensive medical history and clinical assessment of your symptoms
- Manual and functional tests of the visual, vestibular and balance systems to discern the potential causes of the presenting symptoms
- Infrared goggle technology is used to accurately assess vestibular dysfunction by recording eye movement
- It is common for the assessment to reproduce your symptoms, so you may wish to have someone accompany you to the appointment; however, most patients are able to function normally following the assessment
What causes Vestibular Dysfunction?
The most common cause of vertigo and dizziness is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition occurs when calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with normal fluid movement, causing false signals to the brain. There are different types of BPPV, each requiring a different manoeuvre for effective treatment. It is common in the older population and can occur for no specific reason; however, triggers can include specific head movements including rolling in bed, getting in and out of bed, bending over, tipping the head back, and quick head movements. If left untreated, BPPV can result in lingering dizziness and issues with balance.
Other causes of Vestibular Dysfunction can include:
- Head trauma
- Infections
- Age-related degeneration
- Random or unknown causes