Managing Vertigo and BPPV with Vestibular Rehabilitation

Learn how vestibular rehabilitation therapy helps manage vertigo and BPPV. A comprehensive guide to exercises and treatment approaches.

Understanding Vertigo and BPPV

Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or movement when no movement is occurring. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, caused by tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) that become displaced within the inner ear canals.

How Vestibular Rehabilitation Works

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) uses exercises to retrain the brain to compensate for inner ear deficits. It includes canalith repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, gaze stabilization exercises, habituation exercises, and balance training.

Types of Vestibular Exercises

Gaze stabilization exercises improve visual clarity during head movement. Habituation exercises reduce symptoms through repeated exposure. Balance training improves stability and reduces fall risk. The Epley maneuver physically repositions displaced crystals in BPPV.