Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of specialised therapy that uses individually selected exercises to help some people with dizziness, imbalance or difficulty stabilising vision during head movement. It is not one universal exercise programme, and the best approach depends on the diagnosis. New or severe dizziness can have causes that require urgent assessment, so self-starting challenging exercises is not always safe.
What therapy may include
A therapist may assess eye movements, balance, walking, head movement and the situations that trigger symptoms. Exercises can include gaze stabilisation, balance tasks, habituation to specific movements or walking practice. People with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may need a different treatment, such as a repositioning manoeuvre, rather than a general programme. The plan should reflect the cause and the person’s mobility and fall risk.
What to expect from progress
Some exercises briefly provoke mild symptoms because the brain is learning to adapt, but severe or prolonged worsening should be discussed with the therapist. Progress is often gradual and depends on the underlying condition, consistency and other health factors. A clinician can help distinguish expected short-lived symptoms from warning signs. Keep the exercise environment safe and use support if balance is impaired.
When not to treat dizziness as a routine balance problem
Seek emergency evaluation for sudden dizziness with weakness, facial droop, double vision, trouble speaking, severe new headache, inability to walk or other stroke-like signs. New hearing loss, severe persistent vertigo, fainting, chest symptoms or symptoms after head trauma also need prompt assessment. Exercises should not delay medical care when symptoms are new, unexplained or accompanied by red flags.
How to prepare for an appointment
Bring a list of medicines, details about when dizziness began, duration of episodes, movement triggers, hearing changes and falls. Tell the therapist if you use a walking aid or have vision, neck, heart or neurological problems. Ask which exercises to perform, how often, which symptoms mean stop, and how progress will be reviewed. Avoid copying exercises from another person because the cause may be different.
Frequently asked questions
Will vestibular exercises cure every kind of dizziness? No. They help selected vestibular problems and are not a substitute for diagnosing the cause.
Should exercises make me very dizzy? Some mild temporary symptoms may occur, but severe or prolonged worsening should be discussed with your clinician.
Can I begin exercises before assessment? For new or unexplained dizziness, seek assessment first, especially if warning signs or fall risk are present.
Explore our ENT consultation page for more information about this care option. A clinician can advise based on the individual history and examination findings.
Related reading
- Vertigo and BPPV: Causes, Treatment and Warning Signs
- Ménière’s Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Living with Episodes
- Hearing Tests: What to Expect and What Results Mean