Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Central dizziness

This page is intended to be a reference for physical therapists who are providing physical therapy.

Timothy C. Hain, MD Page last modified: October 3, 2010

Persons with central lesions will generally improve partially by themselves given sufficient time, but the process can be sped up by VRT.

Compared to inner ear disorders, prognosis is poorer and retention is worse. (Suarez et al, 2003). Practically, while persons with a 50% loss of inner ear function can recover to almost 95% of their previous balance, most people with a similarly significant central disorder (i.e. due to a large cerebellar stroke damaging half of the cerebellum), will not ever recover completely.

Goals of VRT

• Increase gaze stability
• Reduce symptoms of dizziness
• improve postural and gait stability
• improve independence in ADL such as driving and shopping
• Increase cardiovascular conditioning

Procedures

• Gaze Stabilization Exercises
• Balance and gait training
• Visual dependence training
• Physical Conditioning

Also see the main page on VRT.

References:

• Suarez, H., M. Arocena, et al. (2003). "Changes in postural control parameters after vestibular rehabilitation in patients with central vestibular disorders." Acta Otolaryngol 123(2): 143-147.