The Vestibular Rehabilitation Program, the first program of its kind in the tri-state area, was developed as a collaborative initiative of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Department of Otolaryngology. This program is part of the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Department. The Vestibular Rehabilitation unit, in conjunction with the Department of Otolaryngology, provides an optimal environment for diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from Vestibular dysfunctions.
Vestibular Rehabilitation is an exercise based therapy that maximizes the body's natural ability to compensate for vestibular / balance disorders. Treatment is offered for a variety of conditions that result in dizziness and imbalance, including, but not limited to:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Labyrinthitis
- Vestibular Neuritis
- Menieres Disease
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Perilymph Fistula
- Inner Ear Concussion Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury
A comprehensive evaluation is performed on each patient. An individualized treatment plan is then developed which may include:
- Balance retraining: static and dynamic balance exercises
- Sensory organization
- Gaze stabilization exercises
- Habituation exercises
- Compensatory strategies
- Canalith Repositioning Treatment (CRT for BPPV)
- Aerobic conditioning
- Customized home exercise programs
Support Services
The Vestibular Rehabilitation Program has a variety of support services available to patients. These include an educational class led by a Vestibular physical therapist and psychologist, as well as individualized counseling sessions with a Vestibular psychologist. Panel discussions with former vestibular patients are available on an annual basis.
Referral Information
For you and your physician's convenience, a referral form for treatment at our Vestibular Rehabilitation Program can be obtained here.
