Vestibular compensation. Rehabilitation of a patient with vertigo
Barona de Guzmán, R.; Armengot Carceller, M.
Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola 45(6): 401-405
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6519 PMID: 7873227 Document Number: 436262
Vestibular compensation is the association of neurological reorganization events that allow to recover the balance after peripheral vestibular damage. The aim of rehabilitation of the patient with vertigo is to maximize these events to achieve an earlier return of the patients to active life. An individualized vestibular rehabilitation program is used on the basis of a general protocol that includes the following four elements: a) stabilization of vision and coordination of head and eye movements; b) vestibular habituation exercises adapted on an individual basis; c) postural control exercises via biofeedback techniques; and d) a program to improve general patient conditions. It is concluded that rehabilitation therapy of vertigo should always be taken into account, both in balance alterations caused by peripheral vestibular lesions and in central nervous damage and mixed pathology.