
Vestibular Rehab
Why am I dizzy? What is wrong with me? Is this going to last forever?
As someone who suffers from a vestibular condition these are all questions that I have asked myself, and if you have vestibular symptoms I am sure these questions swim through your head constantly.
What does "Vestibular" even mean?
The vestibular system is the part of your inner ear and brain that helps control balance, spatial orientation, and eye movements. It tells your brain where your head is in space—whether you're moving, turning, or standing still.
It includes:
-
Semicircular canals — detect rotational movements of the head
-
Otolith organs (utricle and saccule) — detect linear movements and gravity
-
Vestibular nerve — carries signals from the inner ear to the brainstem and cerebellum
-
Vestibular nuclei and pathways in the brain — help coordinate posture, eye movements (via the vestibulo-ocular reflex), and balance
Vestibular Conditions
-
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
-
Caused by loose calcium crystals (otoconia) in the semicircular canals
-
Brief episodes of vertigo triggered by head movements (like rolling over in bed)
-
-
Vestibular Neuritis
-
Viral infection causing inflammation of the vestibular nerve
-
Sudden onset of vertigo, nausea, imbalance (without hearing loss)
-
-
Labyrinthitis
-
Inflammation of both the vestibular nerve and cochlea (hearing portion)
-
Vertigo plus hearing loss and tinnitus
-
-
Meniere's Disease
-
Abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear
-
Episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the ear
-
-
Vestibular Migraine
-
Migraine variant with vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance
-
May occur with or without headache
-
-
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
-
Chronic dizziness and unsteadiness triggered by motion or visual stimuli
-
Often follows an acute vestibular event
-
-
Bilateral Vestibulopathy
-
Loss of function in both vestibular systems
-
Chronic imbalance, difficulty walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces
-
How Can We Help?
Managing/recovering from a vestibular condition first requires the right diagnosis. As someone who has been through the rabbit hole of trying to figure out what is wrong with me, this is usually the most discouraging part of the process. Vestibular conditions can be tricky and are sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat, but we can help guide you through the process to get you on the right track to less dizzy days.​
History/Intake
A thorough history of your current condition and past medical history will be taken so we can evaluate what is most likely causing your symptoms
​
Physical Examination
A physical examination will be performed including a full neurological screening to help rule out/rule in possible pathologies or vestibular conditions.
​
Diagnostic Testing
If appropriate, we will send you to a trusted local physician that we work alongside to run diagnostic testing. All of the potential tests they might perform will be explained to you so you are aware of what they are and how they can help
Treatment/Recovery
Once a clear diagnosis has been made. We can get you back on the road to recovery. In our office we can perform Vestibular Rehab Therapy (VRT) to help re-train the vestibular system and offer lifestyle coaching to manage the emotional side of your condition. If a referral to a specialist (ENT/Neuro, etc.) is necessary we can ensure you are connected with a doctor who understands and has experience treating your condition.