Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on restoring balance and reducing symptoms caused by vestibular/inner ear disorders by retraining the brain and body to work together effectively.
A wide range of conditions that can impair balance and cause other related, debilitating symptoms can benefit from vestibular rehabilitation. Through the use of specific exercises and techniques, our therapists work to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and help people regain confidence in their daily activities.
The Affiliates Prime vestibular rehabilitation and balance retraining team has more than 45 years combined experience, 30 of which have focused on this specialty. Melissa Fortenberry, OT, and Jennifer Fuentes, PT DPT, are clinical experts in evaluating and treating vertigo/dizziness and balance deficits due to a variety of causes.
Common Conditions We Treat
- Unilateral or Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BBPV)
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
- Meniere’s Disease
- Cervicogenic Dizziness
- Mal de Debarquement
- Vestibular Migraines
- Concussion
- Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (3PD)
- Acoustic Neuroma/Vestibular Schwannoma
- Neurological conditions (stroke, traumatic brain injury, MS, Parkinson’s)
- Vestibular deconditioning from aging or inactivity
Common Symptoms Experience by our Patients
- Vertigo/spinning sensation
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Difficulty maintaining upright balance
- Disequilibrium and difficulty walking
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, mild memory issues
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Frequent falls
- Vision issues (double vision, shaky vision with head movement, difficulty focusing, poor tolerance to screens)
What to expect at your first appointment
Our vestibular rehabilitation therapists will carefully consider the onset and progression of your condition, current symptoms, and other related medical history. They will also perform a thorough evaluation that may include:
- Visual/oculomotor function tests
- Balance testing
- Gait assessment (walking / mobility tests)
- Positional testing
- Central neurological testing
- Cranial nerve tests of specific brain-based functions
- Cervical tests of your neck’s joint and muscle function
- Frenzel or Infrared Goggle tests to view and record nystagmus (reflexive eye movements)
Based on the findings of your assessment, our therapists will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for vestibular rehabilitation and/or balance retraining therapy and design a treatment plan specific to you.