Vestibular Treatment Flashcards
Vertical Nystagmus
Central Vestibular Dysfunction
Torsional Nystagmus
BPPV
Treatment is a Multi-Factorial Approach
- balance retraining
- oculomotor/gaze stabilization
- dynamic gait activities
- conditioning (strength, flexibility, endurance)
- walking program
- education
Make sure to tell the pt that treatment may:
-make them worse before they get better
categories of treatment
- adaptation
- substitution
- habituation
- compensation
category of treatment depends on
- unilateral vs bilateral
- complete vs partial vestibular los
Adaptation Exercises
-Gaze Stabilization exercises
if vertical problem, challenge vertical system etc
Gaze Stabilization exercise aims to_____
-improve VOR by inducing retinal slip (error signal)
CNS adjusts to get image to stick on retina
Gaze stabilization exercises involve:
-eye and head movements to improve coordination between
Gaze Stabilization Exercises particularly good in:
-treating pts with unilateral peripheral dysfunction and incomplete bilateral peripheral dysfunction
Substitution Exercises aim to improve pt’s ability to:
- use various sensory systems to improve balance control
- use central preprogramming to improve gaze stability and postural stability
Substitution exercises work by
-stressing system by reducing sensory cues–>force pt to rely on other systems/cues
(proprioception)
Habituation Exercises for patients with:
- motion sensitivity
- test people with the Motion Sensitivity Quotient to see what motions make them dizzy
Habituation Exercises
-learned suppression of vertigo through repetitive exposure to provoking movements
Habituation exercises can take up to:
-weeks to months