Vestibular Rehabilitation After an Episode of Vertigo
Have you ever had a sudden and overwhelming feeling that the room is spinning around you or that you are spinning yourself? Is it often accompanied by nausea and vomiting?
If you experience this type of vertigo, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause. If symptoms persist for a few hours to a few days, it may be a problem with the balance organ, which is located in the ear. The dizziness can sometimes be so intense that it is impossible to stand upright at the peak of the attack. Attacks gradually decrease and often disappear after a few weeks.
Inconvenient Symptoms
Many people who have experienced an acute vertigo attack return to a normal life without treatment. For others, symptoms may persist:
- Blurred vision and unstable eyes during movement
- Feeling that movements are exaggerated and continue after they’ve stopped
- Balance issues, especially on soft or uneven surfaces
These symptoms may have different repercussions, and can indicate that the brain has not adapted perfectly to the problem in the ear. For example, a person in this condition may have difficulty reading the information to their left and right in a grocery aisle. Traffic may make them feel like they’re moving, even when they’re stopped. They may also feel unstable when walking on grass or dizzy when changing direction quickly. Some people experience these symptoms without an initial dizziness attack.
People with this condition may tend to avoid movements that cause symptoms. Workers may feel uncomfortable performing certain tasks at work or even going to work at all because driving causes symptoms. Daily tasks, such as taking a shower, can take longer. It may even cause a loss of autonomy. There is also a greater risk of falling due to balance problems.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
In audiology, vestibular rehabilitation consists of a program of exercises, both in the clinic and at home, based on the patient’s symptoms and challenges. Its effectiveness has been proven time and again in reducing or eliminating the symptoms mentioned above. The process begins with an interview and assessment to determine if the person is a candidate for therapy.
The goal of vestibular rehabilitation may be to return to work as soon as possible, reduce the risk of falling or simply reduce the discomfort caused by specific movements. Exercises stabilize the eyes, accustom the brain to movement and improve balance in sub-optimal conditions. Improvement can be seen after only a few weeks of therapy, and there is a high success rate.
In addition to assessing the hearing system, qualified audiologists can also assess and treat disorders of the balance system. If you feel dizzy, consult an audiologist or ENT specialist.