The vestibular system is made up of parts of the inner ear and the brain that controls balance and eye movements. A vestibular order is a condition where the vestibular system is damaged, resulting in one or more of the following symptoms: Vertigo and dizziness, imbalance, vision disturbance, hearing change psychological symptoms. Vestibular damage can come as a result of disease, aging, or injury such as a concussion.

Vestibular disorders are often associated with symptoms such as dizziness, balance issues, motion sickness, visual disturbance, etc. Sometimes this can include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and/or a reduced ability to concentrate for sustained durations.

Extended symptoms and indirect consequences of long-term effects of vestibular disorders can include psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. People with vestibular disorders tend not to move as much, and this physical inactivity can have significant consequences such as weight gain, muscle deterioration, weakness and other unwanted effects. That’s why it’s important to treat vestibular disorders early, so that symptoms and effects don’t spiral out of control to affect your entire lifestyle.

Once we do a comprehensive assessment to determine the nature and scope of your particular vestibular issues, we will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that includes specialized exercises as part of your vestibular rehabilitation therapy. These could include an ear canal repositioning exercise to address an inner disorder; or balance exercises to help reduce motion issues and restore balance for a healthier, happier, more productive lifestyle. The important thing is that a patient (a) understands what the exercises are intended to do and why & how they work; and (b) that he or she is committed to doing the exercises properly and consistently to follow through and see long-term results.

The first thing to do with our process is to come into the Broadview Spine & Health Centre in Ottawa for a comprehensive assessment. Once we’ve met with you and gotten a better understanding of the vestibular issues that you are facing, we will recommend a course of specialized treatment for you. If this includes vestibular rehabilitation therapy, you can expect to be given a series of exercises to perform both in clinic and at home. It’s important that you expect long-term results to be gained from long-term commitment to these exercises, and that you understand that you will likely not see overnight results but that you will, rest assured, be on the road to recovery. We know that vestibular disorders come with their of physical and emotional challenges. We are here to help you get better.

If you have experienced a Traumatic brain injury, stroke, or concussion and suffer from dizziness, vertigo, or migraines, vestibular therapy can help alleviate your symptoms. Vestibular rehabilitation is also helpful for people with Meniere’s Syndrome or other balance issues. To see if vestibular rehabilitation is for you, contact the specialists at Broadview Health Centre.

For most patients undergoing vestibular therapy, Initial results are felt within 48 hours. Typically a patient will feel significant improvements in about 2 weeks. After about 3 months patients will typically be back to normal or have progressed as much as much as is possible.

A concussion can negatively impact the delicate inner ear balance sensors and connections to the brain. Many people experience dizziness and vertigo after a concussion due to a malfunction in a part of the vestibular system. Vestibular therapy (or vestibular rehabilitation) can help improve symptoms experienced after a concussion. If you have suffered a concussion and are experiencing wooziness, dizziness, and balance issues, contact the specialists at Broadview Health Centre.