Our Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Program assists patients with dizziness, vertigo or imbalance in regaining balance within the vestibular system. An individualized program may include eye movement exercises, flexibility training, strengthening exercises and balance exercises to retrain body awareness senses that correspond with the inner ear, vision and/or receptors in the muscles and joints.
We also treat patients whose balance is affected by vestibular neuritis, acoustic neuroma, transient ischemic attacks, basal ganglia syndromes and other neurological disorders.
Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation can provide benefits to patients recovering from a broad range of problems, including:
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Imbalance
- Inner ear disorders
- Instability in walking
- Unilateral vestibular dysfunction
- Bilateral vestibular dysfunction
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Types of Balance Rehab
Vestibular Dysfunction
For patients with a vestibular diagnosis, treatment includes gaze stabilization, visual dependence exercises, otolithic recalibration exercises, somatosensory dependence exercises and ocular tracking exercises. We also offer balance assessments and a variety of treatments for simple balance problems, as well as promoting motor planning strategies and movement patterns such as ankle, hip or stepping strategy. This comprehensive approach is combined into a patient's plan of care, which also includes traditional gait and functional training to build confidence in daily or vocational activities.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
A noninvasive positional procedure called the Dix-Hallpike test is used to diagnose BPPV, and a noninvasive procedure called the canalith repositioning maneuver, or Epley maneuver, relieves BPPV in most cases. The maneuver involves a series of head positionings performed by a physical therapist to redeposit crystals lodged in the ear canal back into the inner ear. The procedure, which is painless, can be performed in our facilities.
Assessment
Patient history and symptoms guide the initial evaluation.We consider the duration of symptoms, the duration of vertigo, how frequently the patient experiences symptoms and the positions in which the symptoms occur.
Make an Appointment
Contact us or call (713) 521-0020.
Locations
Vestibular and balance rehabilitation is offered at the following Houston Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation locations: