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Using Vestibular Stimulation to Treat Vertigo
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that makes you feel like the room is spinning. It can strike seemingly out of nowhere — in the middle of a workout, or while sitting and watching television. The sudden, intense spinning sensation can be alarming, and while it’s not life-threatening, recurrent episodes can have a major impact on your daily life.
Board-certified cardiologist Ayim Djamson, MD, at Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants helps patients keep their heart as healthy as possible.
Vertigo can be a sign of heart trouble. Problems like high blood pressure and reduced blood flow can affect the brain’s circuitry and cause dizziness.
Dr. Djamson uses vestibular rehabilitation to ease vertigo symptoms and improve your quality of life. Take a few moments to explore how this innovative therapy can help you get relief from vertigo symptoms.
What is vestibular stimulation?
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and controls eye movement and balance. Compensating for vestibular deficiencies can help to relieve symptoms of vertigo. Vestibular stimulation is a series of personalized programs designed to alleviate vestibular disorders that cause problems like vertigo.
The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to restore the vestibular system as much as possible and compensate for any weaknesses in this system. There is no cure, but vestibular rehabilitation is shown to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
Vestibular therapy exercises
Before beginning vestibular rehabilitation, Dr. Djamson completes a thorough evaluation and creates an individualized program consisting of specific exercises meant to promote compensation and improve the vestibular system. Your program may include the following exercises.
Habituation exercise
Your provider may include habituation exercises as part of your vestibular therapy if you experience dizziness when you move, such as turning your head quickly. Habituation exercises, such as eye movements or head and body movements, are also helpful for patients who experience dizziness as a result of visual stimulation.
The goal of habituation exercises is to desensitize the dizziness response so that your symptoms are reduced. The brain learns to compensate and adjust to movements and/or visual stimulation. Many patients notice an improvement in their vertigo symptoms with persistent training.
Gaze stabilization
Gaze stabilization exercises improve eye movement control so you see clearly when moving your head. By stabilizing your vision as your head moves, the brain is better able to tolerate quick movements, reducing symptoms of dizziness.
Other types of exercises your provider may include in your treatment plan, include:
- Posture training
- Balance training
- Neck mobility exercises
You can expect to have therapy 1-2 times a week for 6-8 weeks. No two vestibular therapy programs are the same. Your provider carefully evaluates causes or deficits and creates an appropriate program to address your dizziness.
Effective relief from vertigo
Consistency is key to the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation. You can perform many vestibular exercises at home once you receive instruction. Certain exercises require provider participation.
For patients with vertigo and problems with dizziness, there is hope. Reach out to the Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants nearest you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Djamson.
Our offices are located in Beltsville, Bowie, and Columbia, Maryland. Prospective and existing patients can book requests here on our website as well.
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