Nonpharmaceutical approaches such as preventing trigger factors, regular sleep and diet, and physical therapy are effective in treating individuals with vestibular disorders including those with Vestibular Migraine. Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) is a therapeutic approach that often includes varieties of components to reduce impairments and functional limitations in patients with vestibular dysfunction.
In a clinical trial study conducted by Birgul Balci & Gülden Akdal (Journal of Neurology, July 2022), the objective of the study was to investigate the effects of an individualized vestibular rehabilitation program on balance and gait performance and on self-perceived handicap in a group of vestibular migraine patients with associated anxiety.
The eight-week prospective study of a Vestibular rehabilitation program was conducted on 74 Vestibular migraine patients. The effects were evaluated with the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration in Balance (mCTSIB), the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) before and after VR. The Panic Agoraphobic Spectrum Self-Report version (PAS-SR) was also used to assess the patients’ level of anxiety.
Results showed significant improvement in all measuring parameters and therefore concluded that vestibular migraine patients with anxiety complaints benefited from vestibular exercises, their imbalance complaints, and perceived levels of handicap/disability improved. The individual specific vestibular program created with a clinical decision-making process provide functional improvement through vestibular compensation mechanisms. Vestibular rehabilitation is recommended to be included in the treatment programs of vestibular migraine patients with either high or low anxiety levels to improve vestibular function.
At Therapy Consultants, we carry out a comprehensive vestibular evaluation that helps set up customized vestibular rehabilitation to achieve the best outcome within a reasonable short period of time. Regardless of what you have been told, we can both agree that you deserve another chance. “You Don’t Have To Live With It”
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