It is an expertise in physiotherapy. Physiotherapists have vestibular rehabilitation post-graduate courses. They utilize a large battery of questionnaires and specific tests in relation to your symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, concussion. The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to get you back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.
Who is it for?
- Experiencing dizziness or vertigo
- Sensitive to head or body movements
- Suffer from nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Blurry vision
- Sensitive to busy environments (crowds, stores…)
Benin Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
What is it?
- B: Benin (non life threatening)
- P: Paroxysmal (occurs quickly but does not last long)
- P: Positional (caused by certain movements or positions of the head)
- V: Vertigo (feeling of rotation)
Physiologically, a BPPV occurs when a small crystal in the inner ear becomes dislodged and begins to float in one of the three semicircular canals. When the head moves, the brain receives two different information from the inner ears and this explains this brief sensation of vertigo.
This inner ear problem can easily be treated by vestibular rehabilitation. However, there are 12 different types of BPPV, so it is important to consult a health professional with vestibular rehabilitation expertise to determine the appropriate treatment.
Types of vestibular problems
- Unilateral vestibular hypofunction: dysfunction in only one ear.
- Bilateral vestibular hypofunction: dysfunction in both ears.
- Central Vestibular Hypofunction: dysfunction in the brain.
What do the treatments consist of?
Overview of treatments that can be used
- Positional techniques
- Different types of exercises
- Manual therapy
- Education and advice
Treatment efficiency
For the treatment of BPPV, Epley maneuvers and vestibular rehabilitation can completely eliminate the symptoms. Research shows that the Epley maneuver is 74.8% effective after the first treatment and 98.4% effective by the third treatment.
Research shows that vestibular treatments result in noticeable improvement regardless of age or duration of symptoms and are completely safe.
How many treatments will be required?
It is difficult to estimate the number of treatments required, as each person is different, but generally speaking one can estimate between 2 to 10 visits depending on the symptoms. If the clinical diagnosis is BPPV, it is often less than 3 visits, but if it is related to a head injury, it is sometimes a slightly longer follow-up (see athletic injuries).
Who performs the treatments?
Physiotherapist member of the OPPQ who has vestibular rehabilitation post-graduate expertise and several years of experience in the field.
What to expect from vestibular rehabilitation?
How long will the evaluation take?
Approximately 1 hour.
How can I prepare?
It is recommended that you arrive approximately 15 minutes before your initial assessment time because there are detailed questionnaires to be completed. Comfortable clothing is recommended.
Do I have to come accompanied?
This is not mandatory, but recommended as you may feel a little shaken after the initial assessment.
Is a doctor’s prescription mandatory?
It is not required for treatment, but is often requested by insurance companies for reimbursement purposes.
Insurance receipt?
Yes, a physiotherapy receipt will be provided for insurance or tax purposes.
