Review

Current Look at Vestibular Rehabilitation

10.5152/adutfd.2014.141788

  • İlke Coskun Benlidayı

Received Date: 22.05.2014 Accepted Date: 07.07.2014 Meandros Med Dent J 2014;15(2):73-76

Vestibular rehabilitation is a treatment method which is used for peripheral and central vestibular system disorders. The aim of vestibular rehabilitation is to activate the adaptive and compensatory mechanisms in the brain. The main indications are vestibular hypofunction and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It is recommended in stable vestibular lesions with incomplete compensation mechanism. There are specific and non-specific treatment options. Specific treatment methods include habituation, adaptation, substitution and otolith repositioning, whilst non-specific methods are endurance exercises and strengthening of the specific muscle groups related to ambulation and balance. Other treatment options used in vestibular rehabilitation are vibrotactile feedback, virtual reality and vestibular electrical stimulation. Vestibular rehabilitation techniques are not beneficial in fluctuant vestibular loss, ongoing labyrinth pathologies and slow progressing tumors.

Keywords: Vertigo, vestibular hypofunction, vestibular rehabilitation