Vestibular Rehabiltation Clinic
The Vestibular Clinic at the Bon Secours Hospital Dublin treats patients who suffer from dizziness, vertigo and imbalance symptoms.
Dizziness, vertigo and imbalance are symptoms commonly reported by adults to their doctor. These symptoms can have a negative impact on a persons’ quality of life, making it difficult for them to perform and enjoy their normal daily activities. Common symptoms include:
- dizziness on certain head movements
- vertigo – a feeling that you or the room around you is moving
- nausea and vomiting
- general loss of balance (often worse in the dark or on uneven surfaces)
- reduced activity due to avoidance of activities that provoke symptoms
- neck tension
The ‘Vestibular System’ in the inner ear gives information about balance, posture and the body's orientation in space. Our brain processes this information along with information from the eyes, the muscles and the joints, and puts it together so that we can move around normally and feel steady. A fault in this system is what causes the feelings of unsteadiness and dizziness. This is where vestibular rehabilitation comes in.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation
It is the treatment for Dizziness/Vertigo and Balance Problems. It consists of a progression of exercises from simple eye movements to complex activities. It allows your Vestibular System to adapt to your symptoms and compensate for them - thus reducing your problems.
What is The Vestibular System?
- A system in the body that is responsible for maintaining balance, posture and the body’s orientation in space
- It stabilises the eyes in relation to the environment
- A particular area of the brain and inner ear make up the Vestibular System
- An impaired Vestibular System can cause the brain to become confused, resulting in your symptoms
- The System can learn to adapt/recover. To achieve adaptation, repeated exposure to particular eye and body movements is required
What can go wrong with the Vestibular System?
- BPPV - Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (tiny crystals in the inner ear disrupt the normal function of the inner ear)
- Meniere’s Disease (a change in the thickness of fluid in particular canals in the inner ear)
- Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis (inflammation often cause by a viral infection)
- Other - Ear Infections, conditions which affect the brain (Your Doctor will have investigated these)
What Benefits can be achieved by Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Through Vestibular Rehabilitation, it is hoped that you will:
- Improve your knowledge of your condition
- Learn how to manage attacks of vertigo
- Improve symptoms
- Be in a position to lead a more active lifestyle and improve your quality of life
Appointments can be made directly to the Vestibular Rehabilitation Clinic. For appointments or additional information, please contact the Vestibular Rehabilitation Clinic in our Physiotherapy Department on 01 806 5339 or email physio@bonsecours.ie
GP referrals or Consultant Referrals are welcomed but are not necessary to access the service.
