Vestibular rehabilitation is used to treat inner ear and brain disorders causing symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, vertigo and visual disturbances (such as difficulty reading or blurriness). Several conditions benefit from vestibular rehabilitation, including:
A vestibular therapist uses an exercise-based approach to treat vestibular disorders. Since the vestibular system’s main functions include balance and the coordination of eye movements, exercises are designed to target these two areas.
Want to know more? Click here for a link to our blogs posts about vestibular rehabilitation.
Videonystagmography (VNG)
Ladner Village Physiotherapy now offers VNG testing as an optional test!
Videonystagmography (VNG) is an advanced diagnostic test used to assess how well your inner ear and brain are working together to control balance and eye movements. Because the vestibular system is closely linked to the visual system, measuring eye movements provides valuable insight into the source of dizziness or imbalance.
During VNG testing, you will wear specialized infrared goggles that record and analyze your eye movements in response to a series of visual and positional tasks. The test is non-invasive and provides detailed, objective information about vestibular function.
VNG is particularly helpful in identifying and differentiating between various vestibular conditions, including inner ear disorders and certain central (brain-related) causes of dizziness. It can also help confirm clinical findings from your assessment and guide more targeted, effective treatment planning.
While some parts of the test may temporarily increase symptoms of dizziness, this information is valuable in understanding your condition and developing the most appropriate rehabilitation approach for you.
What should I expect during my assessment?
Before your assessment begins we will ask you to fill out a few questionnaires to help guide your assessment and treatment. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow yourself enough time to fill these out.
Several systems affected by the vestibular system including balance, gait and sensitivity to motion will be evaluated. Eye movements will also be assessed in both room light and under infrared goggles.
The assessment typically lasts 45-60 minutes. If you also book for VNG testing, the assessment is 90 minutes.
After the assessment, some people report a temporary increase in symptoms. For this reason, we recommend someone comes with you to your first appointment.
Once the assessment is completed a customized treatment plan will be designed for you. Typically, this involves exercises for you to do at home and may also include a maneuver to correct BPPV.
Stephanie Yip and Devon Konrad treat people with vestibular disorders.
Resources
Balance and Dizziness Canada - an organization supporting, inspiring and educating those affected by balance and dizziness disorders as well as developing awareness of the issues surrounding these disorders.
Vestibular Disorders Association - a private non-profit American organization providing educational and emotional support for those with vestibular disorders as well as connecting practitioners across different professions to patients.