Vestibular Imbalance
One recent study estimates that as many as 35% of adults over 40, in the U.S.—approximately 69 million Americans—have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction.
What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?
The vestibular system enables you to get out of bed or walk on uneven ground through the connection between the inner ear and the brain. Damage to the vestibular system from illness, injury, or aging can lead to vestibular dysfunction. Vertigo and balance problems are the most common symptoms, although you may also have trouble hearing or seeing. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based approach that can help with dizziness and poor equilibrium.
How Does Vestibular Rehab Work?
When your equilibrium is disturbed, you may experience dizziness and possibly feel wobbly. Your ability to maintain balance depends on the communication between your brain and other sensory organs. This data is compiled by your central nervous system, which then relays instructions to your body for doing so. Your brain's ability to process information is disrupted when the link between your brain and the rest of your body is hampered.
VRT employs targeted motions to facilitate neural plasticity in response to these stimuli. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy exercises train the brain to pay more attention to sensory input from the body, which frees up other senses, like sight and touch, to aid the body in fighting off the resulting symptoms.