Expert consensus on vestibular rehabilitation in vestibular disorders

Abstract

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a highly effective treatment approach for addressing both peripheral and central vestibular disorders, offering the ability to significantly improve patients' coordination and control across the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems, all of which are crucial factors in maintaining balance. By promoting vestibular compensation, VRT has been shown to mitigate or even eliminate symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, and instability. With the rapid development of vestibular research, VRT has evolved into a more individualized and precise treatment approach based on evidence-based medicine. Its clinical effectiveness has been increasingly validated in numerous studies. With the involvement of multidisciplinary experts, this article aims to reach a consensus on the pre-treatment evaluation, formulation/implementation of treatment plans, and evidence-based treatment recommendations for common vestibular disorders, focusing on the prospects of vestibular rehabilitation. The goal is to further standardize and update VRT protocols for different vestibular disorders, providing comprehensive and context-specific guidance primarily tailored to the Chinese healthcare landscape, with a notable emphasis on its clinical applicability. Concurrently, it aspires to present new insights and serve as a valuable reference point for forthcoming high-quality clinical research on vestibular rehabilitation in China.