Balance exercises use vestibular rehabilitation techniques designed to compensate for balance disorders that may be present after a head injury. Exercises help individuals adapt and respond to symptoms such as dizziness, gait unsteadiness and varying degrees of headaches. Check with your doctor before attempting any of these exercises, since head injuries can be very damaging to your overall health. In addition to balance exercises, living a healthy lifestyle plays a key role in managing your head injury recuperation.
Stairs
Walking up and down stairs can help improve gait and reduce symptoms of balance disorders, according to Carey Balaban, Ph.D. and professor of otolaryngology at University of Pittsburgh. When starting, make certain to use railings for balance purposes. Slowly start walking up four stairs. Relax 10 seconds. Slowly turn around and walk back to your starting position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this gait exercise three times. As you become stronger, increase the amount of stairs you ascend and descend with each turn.
Walkers
Walkers are key devices to improve gait balance exercise after a head injury. Place a walker in front of your body while sitting upright. Use a walker without wheels to prevent slippage and potential injury. Hold onto the walker as you rise slowly from your seat. Hold on to the walker for 20 seconds prior to moving your body. Slowly begin walking forward by lifting your walker and placing it onto the floor. Lift your right leg and place your foot firmly on the floor. Do the same with your left leg. Repeat this sequence for five steps. Using walkers to strengthen your gait and balance can be a precursor to actual walking.
Rollovers
Rollovers, known as log rolls, can be used as positional balance exercises after a head injury, according to Balaban. Lay down on your back on a flat surface or your bed. Fully extend your legs and arms, with your arms over your head. Rotate your body as quickly as possible to the right and keep rolling until you return to the original position where you lay on your back. Relax 10 seconds, then roll the opposite direction. Repeat this exercise three times. As you become stronger, increase your log roll amounts.
Fall Backs
Balance exercises after a head injury can use the Epley maneuver, which improve inner ear health, according to NIDCD.gov. Sit upright on the edge of a bed, with your feet firmly planted on the floor. Quickly fall backward onto your back. Rotate your head to the right. Look to your right. Stay in this position for one minute. Return to the original upright position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise while turning your head to the left.
