Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Beverly Johnson

Keywords

Dizziness; Vestibular Diseases -- rehabilitation

Abstract

The management of patients with vestibular disorders is a formidable problem. Many individuals present to their physician with symptoms of loss of balance and dizziness. A major contributor to sustaining proper upright balance, the vestibular system, consists of a complex network of fluid-filled canals and organs which aid in orientation of the head to vertical and provide information on head movements. The vestibular system is also involved in the sensation and perception of motion and position. Peripheral vestibular dysfunctions, which involve the vestibular organs and/or nerve, can produce a variety of signs and symptoms.

Physical therapy is a key discipline in the evaluation, treatment, and management of vestibular system disorders. The treatment techniques used with the different disorders are similar in nature, as presenting symptoms are shared by various diagnoses. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the field of vestibular rehabilitation and outline the intervention of physical therapy.

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