Q: Which doctor should I consult regarding vestibular rehabilitation therapy?
A: An audiologist, specially trained for vestibular rehabilitation therapy who can guide, counsel and advise the right kind of exercises can be consulted. An otolaryngologist can diagnose the problem and refer the patient for vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
Q: What type of recovery can I expect from the vestibular rehabilitation?
A: Each patient has a unique exercise program based on clinical assessment, results of laboratory tests and imaging studies. Recovery is based on the intensity, frequency and the pattern of the exercise program and also the cause of the vestibular disorder.
Q: Are the exercises to be done on a daily basis or can one sitting help in overcoming the problem?
A: The number of sittings required depends upon the severity of vertigo and the frequency of the exercises done. For example, vertigo due to BPPV can be partly treated with one or two sittings of Semont maneuver. Vertigo caused by other disorders of the semicircular canals need regular exercises done at the doctor’s office as well as at home.
Q: How is the success of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) measured?
A: There is no method of measuring balance, but when the symptoms of vertigo manifest less frequently and do not interfere with daily activities, the success of VRT can be proved. Subjective measures like questionnaires, dizziness handicap inventory and the activities-specific confidence scale considered giving a valid score of the success of the VRT program for a person.
Q: Are medications helpful in VRT?
A: Medicines are prescribed to overcome vertigo in an acute and severe condition of the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Medications are mainly prescribed to suppress symptoms during the positioning maneuvers if the patient is not able to tolerate the pressure.
