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Vestibular Rehabilitation: Restoring Balance And Reducing Dizziness

VRT is a kind of physical therapy that involves specialized exercises to improve gaze and gait stability in both children and adults.

Introduction

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an effective treatment option for individuals suffering from vestibular or central balance system disorders.

VRT is a kind of <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/your-guide-to-physical-therapy">physical therapy</a> that involves specialized exercises to improve gaze and gait stability in both children and adults.

Nearly 42% of Americans have experienced dizziness at least once in their lives. Some people experience permanent balance deficits, resulting in functional limitations<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. According to several studies, customized VRT programs fare better for these patients than generic ones<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
&nbsp;

The vestibular system is a complex network of structures in the inner ear and brain that serve an important role in balance, coordination of eye movements, and spatial orientation. 

When this system is damaged or dysfunctional, a variety of symptoms, such as vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and unsteadiness, can occur. 
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Understanding Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Dizziness can be a sign of a few medical conditions that affect the sense of balance. The individual may also feel muscle fatigue and headache as a result of dizziness.&nbsp; 

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, people with symptomatic vestibular dysfunction have a 12-fold increased risk of falling<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
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VRT benefits people suffering from the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Vertigo</li>
	<li>M&eacute;ni&egrave;re&#39;s disease</li>
	<li>Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo </li>
	<li>Labyrinthitis</li>
	<li>Vestibular neuritis</li>
	<li>Migraine</li>
	<li>Stroke</li>
	<li>Traumatic brain injury 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Vestibular rehabilitation stimulates and promotes the recovery of the vestibular system. Since the exercises are intended to challenge the vestibular system in a controlled manner, the difficulty level is gradually increased as the patient progresses. This technique helps to improve the vestibular system function and reduce symptoms, like vertigo, dizziness, and unsteadiness that negatively affect daily life<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 

A VRT program is developed based on the extent and location of vestibular system damage in an individual patient. The state of the visual and proprioceptive systems, physical strength, motor skills, and cerebellum integrity are all critical to successfully implementing a VRT program. In fact, according to research, patients with cerebellar dysfunction benefit little from vestibular rehabilitation<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 

Moreover, cognitive abilities including decision-making and memory are important factors that influence the outcome of a VRT program. Also, the program can do little to help a person who suffers from any psychological or anxiety disorder. 
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Used appropriately, VRT can be very effective for patients suffering from conditions affecting the vestibular system. These advantages include:

<ol>
	<li>Improved stability and balance</li>
	<li>Minimized dizziness and vertigo</li>
	<li>Higher tolerance for head movements and position changes</li>
	<li>Enhanced coordination and spatial awareness</li>
	<li>Decreased likelihood of falls and other accidents 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Conclusion

Vestibular rehabilitation is a safe and efficient therapy for vestibular disorders. Many people can significantly improve their balance and dizziness symptoms under the guidance of a skilled physical therapist. 
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Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized physical therapy that helps people with balance disorders and dizziness.</li>
	<li>The vestibular system in the inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and orientation.</li>
	<li>Vestibular rehabilitation is a highly efficient treatment for a variety of vestibular disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Meniere&#39;s disease, and more.</li>
	<li>Vestibular rehabilitation typically involves a combination of exercises and techniques tailored to the patient&#39;s needs.</li>
	<li>Vestibular rehabilitation is safe and effective when performed by a skilled physical therapist.</li>
	<li>If you are experiencing balance problems or dizziness, speak to your doctor about whether vestibular rehabilitation may be proper for you. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[1] Philip E Zapanta M. Vestibular rehabilitation. Overview, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Program.

[2] Whitney SL, Alghwiri A, Alghadir A. Physical therapy for persons with Vestibular Disorders. Current Opinion in Neurology. 2015;28(1):61-68. doi:10.1097/wco.0000000000000162.

[3] Agrawal Y, Carey JP, Della Santina CC, Schubert MC, Minor LB. Disorders of Balance and Vestibular Function in US Adults: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2004. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(10):938–944. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2009.66.

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