Vestibular Rehabilitation - Optokinetic Training
What is Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy utilized to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders such as vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls. A customized exercise plan is developed by a licensed physical therapist based on findings during a patient’s clinical assessment, laboratory testing and imaging studies.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is a common condition that causes brief, intense episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation) when changing head positions.
Causes:
Dislodged calcium crystals (otoconia) in the semicircular canals of the inner ear
Signs:
Spinning sensation: A feeling that you or the world around you is spinning.
Dizziness: A sense of unsteadiness or lightheadedness.
Nausea: May accompany the spinning sensation.
Loss of balance: Difficulty standing or walking.
Nystagmus: Rapid, involuntary eye movements.
Symptoms:
Sudden onset of vertigo that lasts for seconds to minutes, Feeling of spinning or whirling, Nausea and vomiting (sometimes), and Nystagmus (rapid eye movements).
Triggers:
Changing head positions, such as rolling over in bed or sitting up
Looking up or down
Bending over