Vestibular physiotherapy involves the organs of balance. Specifically vestibular physiotherapy includes the parts of the inner ear, the pathways that lead to the brain, and the brain itself that help control balance and eye movements. Vestibular disorders or balance difficulties (vertigo) can result from pathology to this area by disease, aging, or injury.
The symptoms from vestibular pathology can include dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance, difficulty concentrating, blurry vision, nausea, and fluctuating hearing.
Vestibular physiotherapy involves hands on maneuvers that can relocate the inner ear crystals to normalize balance and dizzyness impairments. The primary goal involves retraining the brain to coordinate information from the inner ear balance organs, vision and the proprioceptive system (sensory receptors that are sensitive to stretch or pressure).
What does a vestibular Physio session involve?
We at Total Health Physio will use infrared video googles to illuminate the eyes of a patient suffering from dizziness to vertigo to determine whether the pathology is of a peripheral or central origin. This technology allows us to gain an accurate diagnosis and perform the appropriate treatment maneuvers for BPPV or start vestibular rehabilitation exercises.
