Vestibular Rehabilitation: Review of Indications, Treatments, Advances, and Limitations

Abstract

Vestibular disorders result in symptoms that significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has, for many years, been used as an effective means of treating patients and their vestibular-related symptoms. For clinicians, it is crucial to stay up to date with the current best evidence in VRT in order to optimize patient management. Current evidence is in support of VRT for treating patients with a variety of vestibular disorders, both central and peripheral. High level evidence studies support the use of treatment techniques of adaptation and substitution for gaze stabilization, habituation, balance and gait training, and canalith repositioning maneuvers. Recent evidence has also examined and found promising results with technological innovations that are targeted at those with bilateral vestibular hypofunction and insufficient gains with a standard exercise-based program. Nevertheless, factors such as anxiety overlay/depression, time when beginning therapy, and adherence may have an impact on how a patient will do with his/her VRT program and should be acknowledged. Quantifiable and evidence-based literature supports the use of VRT for patients with a variety of vestibular disorders and their associated symptoms. The clinician needs to become familiar with each patient’s complaints and goals, as well as any potential barriers to positive outcomes with VRT, and combine this with their knowledge of current evidence-based literature in order to develop the optimal program for each unique patient.