Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Program

The Vestibular system which includes both the inner ear and its connections in the brain and brainstem helps to maintain equilibrium, balance reactions and eye movement coordination.

Dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, nystagmus, and other visual tracking problems can result from a variety of diagnoses either in the ear or in the brain (usually brainstem, cerebellum, ventricles, or defuse hydrocephalus).

Alta Bates Summit Inpatient Vestibular Rehabilitation program at the Herrick campus helps people diminish these symptoms through specific visual vestibular and habituation exercises. The optimum results are achieved through the coordination of all team members; Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Pathologist, Nurse, Physician and Neuropsychologist. The continuum of care is available to our patients through our outpatient Vestibular Therapy Clinic.

There are many common diagnoses that will benefit from Vestibular Therapy in an acute rehab setting. Dizziness, imbalance, and visual tracking problems may be noted in the following:

Acoustic Neuroma Labrynthitis Hydrocephalus Encephalopathy Sub Arachnoid Hemorrhage (certain areas of the brain) CVA – particularly Cerebellar, Brainstem, Thalamic and with vessels involving PICA, AICA and Basilar artery

AVM (Arteriovenous) Neuronitis Multiple Sclerosis Head Injuries Tumors – particularly Cerebellar and Brainstem

These diagnoses affect the Vestibular system, and the balance and visual tracking problems that result increases a patient’s risk of falling. Symptoms of imbalance, dizziness and problems with eye movement coordination can cause nausea and vomiting as well as affect a person’s ability to move independently and safely.

Our Vestibular Rehabilitation program coordinates with physicians to help medically control the dizziness and nausea while therapists work to rehabilitate the system and wean patients off of medication.