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Semin Neurol 2013; 33(03): 276-285
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1354593
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Rationale and Indications

Christian M. Cabrera Kang
1   Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
,
Ronald J. Tusa
2   Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 September 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Treatment options of the patient with dizziness include medication, rehabilitation with physical therapy, surgery, counseling, and reassurance. Here the authors discuss vestibular rehabilitation for patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), unilateral vestibular loss or hypofunction, and bilateral vestibular loss/hypofunction. They describe the different mechanisms for recovery with vestibular rehabilitation, the exercises that are used, and which ones are best. An exhaustive literature review on clinical outcomes with the best research publications for BPPV, unilateral vestibular loss/hypofunction, and bilateral vestibular loss/hypofunction is presented. For BPPV, the authors also summarize the evidence-based review practice parameters published in Neurology by Fife et al. (2008) and review all relevant articles published since then.

Keywords

vestibular rehabilitation - benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - posterior semicircular canal - unilateral vestibular hypofunction - bilateral vestibular hypofunction
 

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