Update on vestibular rehabilitation therapy

Abstract

Although the concept of using exercises as part of the treatment for patients with persistent vertigo was introduced several decades ago, organized vestibular rehabilitation therapy programs have only recently been introduced. These programs typically involve a three-pronged approach, customized to the needs of the individual patient: (1) habituation exercises designed to facilitate central nervous system compensation by extinguishing pathologic responses to head motion, (2) postural control exercises, and (3) general conditioning activities. This article provides an update regarding the status of vestibular rehabilitation, reviewing the concept of vestibular compensation and patient selection criteria for current rehabilitative techniques.