1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
  o One of the most common vestibular disorders.
  o Occurs due to the displacement of small crystals (otoliths) in the inner ear, which causes abnormal signals to the brain when the head moves.
  o Characterized by sudden episodes of vertigo triggered by head movements.
2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis:
  o Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures.
  o Causes severe dizziness, nausea, and imbalance, often following an upper respiratory infection.
3. Ménière’s Disease:
  o A chronic condition causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
  o Related to abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear.
4. Chronic Subjective Dizziness (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness or PPPD):
  o A persistent sense of dizziness or imbalance, often aggravated by visual stimuli or movement.
5. Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS):
  o Vestibular dysfunction after a head injury, leading to dizziness, balance issues, and cognitive difficulties.
6. Age-Related Vestibular Decline:
  o As people age, vestibular function naturally declines, which can lead to balance problems and increased risk of falls

1. Treatment Approaches in Vestibular Physiotherapy Physiotherapy interventions for vestibular problems are aimed at improving balance, reducing dizziness, and enhancing coordination. Treatment is highly individualized based on the specific condition:
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises:
    o A set of exercises designed to improve the brain’s ability to adapt to and compensate for vestibular dysfunction.
    o Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Improve the ability to keep a clear focus on objects during head movement. These exercises involve moving the head while keeping the eyes focused on a stationary or moving target (e.g., VOR x1 and VOR x2 exercises).
    o Balance Training: Exercises that challenge the patient’s balance in different positions and environments, like standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, or using balance boards.
    o Habituation Exercises: Involves repetitive exposure to specific movements or stimuli that provoke symptoms, gradually reducing dizziness and sensitivity to movement.
    o Functional Exercises: Tailored exercises that simulate daily activities, helping patients regain confidence and functionality in performing tasks.
  • Adaptation Exercises:
    o These exercises aim to retrain the brain to respond accurately to abnormal vestibular signals. Over time, this leads to improved balance and reduced dizziness.
  • Strengthening Exercises:
    o For patients with vestibular dysfunction, muscle strength, especially in the lower limbs and core, is crucial for maintaining balance. Physiotherapists incorporate exercises that target these areas to prevent falls and enhance stability.
3. Patient Education
  • Physiotherapists educate patients on strategies to manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of injury. This may include:
    o Fall prevention techniques: How to maintain balance and avoid risky movements.
    o Symptom management: Recognizing triggers and how to minimize the effects of vertigo or dizziness.
Recovery Monitoring and Progression
  • Recovery is a gradual process, and physiotherapists will regularly assess patients to adjust their treatment plan.
  • Outcome measures like the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) or the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) are used to track progress.

1. Treatment Approaches in Vestibular Physiotherapy Physiotherapy interventions for vestibular problems are aimed at improving balance, reducing dizziness, and enhancing coordination. Treatment is highly individualized based on the specific condition.
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises:
    o A set of exercises designed to improve the brain’s ability to adapt to and compensate for vestibular dysfunction.
    o Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Improve the ability to keep a clear focus on objects during head movement. These exercises involve moving the head while keeping the eyes focused on a stationary or moving target (e.g., VOR x1 and VOR x2 exercises).
    o Balance Training: Exercises that challenge the patient’s balance in different positions and environments, like standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, or using balance boards.
    o Habituation Exercises: Involves repetitive exposure to specific movements or stimuli that provoke symptoms, gradually reducing dizziness and sensitivity to movement.
    o Functional Exercises: Tailored exercises that simulate daily activities, helping patients regain confidence and functionality in performing tasks.
  • Adaptation Exercises:
    o These exercises aim to retrain the brain to respond accurately to abnormal vestibular signals. Over time, this leads to improved balance and reduced dizziness.
  • Strengthening Exercises:
    o For patients with vestibular dysfunction, muscle strength, especially in the lower limbs and core, is crucial for maintaining balance. Physiotherapists incorporate exercises that target these areas to prevent falls and enhance stability.
2. Patient Education
  • Physiotherapists educate patients on strategies to manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of injury. This may include:
    o Fall prevention techniques: How to maintain balance and avoid risky movements.
    o Symptom management: Recognizing triggers and how to minimize the effects of vertigo or dizziness.
3. Recovery Monitoring and Progression
  • Recovery is a gradual process, and physiotherapists will regularly assess patients to adjust their treatment plan.
  • Outcome measures like the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) or the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) are used to track progress.

• Individuals with chronic dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues.
• Older adults at risk of falls due to age-related balance decline.
• People recovering from concussions or head injuries.
• Patients with inner ear disorders such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis, or Ménière’s disease