Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation at UVM Health

Your vestibular system includes the parts of your brain and inner ear that control balance and eye movements. An injury or disease that damages your vestibular system can cause problems with balance and lead to dizziness.

At University of Vermont Health, our team of therapists have the skills to accurately diagnose and effectively treat vestibular disorders, including vertigo. We use a range of tools to treat your symptoms and help you get back to your daily activities. Our team works closely with primary care providers, neurologists and vestibular ENTs to coordinate care.

A rehab specialist helps a patient walk and balance.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the leading rehabilitation programs in the region, we offer:

Care close to home: We offer rehabilitation services in multiple locations throughout Vermont and northern New York. No matter where you live, you have easy access to expert care.
Specialized skills: Our therapists have specialized training in vestibular rehabilitation. We commit to high-quality treatment, continually bringing you the latest techniques and tools.
Patient-centered treatment: We listen to your concerns and create care plans customized to your goals. We work to make sure you understand your treatment and feel equipped to actively participate.

Conditions We Treat

Vestibular disorders are characterized by dizziness, which can include vertigo (spinning or a false sense of movement) and feeling off-balance. There are multiple types of vestibular disorders, including:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): A condition where displaced crystals in your inner ears result in brief dizzy spells, usually after changing your head position
Labyrinthitis/Neuritis: Inflammation in a part of the inner ear often causing severe vertigo, nausea or vomiting, and difficulties with balance and walking
Ménière’s disease: A rare inner ear condition that often occurs as a result of fluid buildup resulting in periodic episodes of vertigo
Acoustic neuroma: A noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibular nerve (the nerve that connects your inner ear and your brain)
Enlarged vestibular aqueducts: Irregularly large vestibular aqueducts (the bony canals that connect your inner ear and your brain)
Perilymphatic fistula: An irregularity or tear in the tissue that separates the inner and middle ear
Superior canal dehiscence: A rare disorder characterized by an opening or irregularly thin canal in your inner ear
Vestibular migraines: A type of migraine that is associated with symptoms of dizziness

Vestibular problems can also develop due to autoimmune diseases, allergies or even medication side effects. Our therapists are experts in finding the root cause of your symptoms so we can create an effective treatment plan.

What to Expect

At your first visit, your therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your vestibular function, balance and mobility. They use tests that help find the root cause of vertigo and assess your risk of falling. They will also ask you questions about your symptoms, including:

When did your symptoms start? Have you had vertigo in the past?
What are you doing when you experience vertigo? For example, are you rolling in bed, standing perfectly still, turning your head or bending over?
How long do your symptoms last when you experience them?
Have you fallen because of your symptoms?
Do you have hearing loss, ringing or fullness in your ears?
Do you experience other symptoms such as headaches, double vision, ear pain, a feeling of unsteadiness or nausea?

Your therapist will then create a customized treatment plan to address your symptoms. Your vestibular therapy plan may include:

Canalith repositioning, a manual maneuver your therapist performs to treat BPPV
Balance exercises
Exercises to help your brain “correct” the differences in your inner ears
Movements to improve your functional mobility
Practices to improve your ability to focus your eyes

The number of visits you need will depend on your condition. Some patients may need to return for several visits for instruction on exercises to resolve or reduce symptoms.