Vertigo is a disorder of the vestibular system, which includes the cerebellum, brain stem and structures of the inner ear that are responsible for integrating movement and sensory stimuli and changing your head's position in response to movement. This disturbance in the vestibular system results in the perception of movement when there is no motion or the abnormal perception of motion in response to movement. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises improve your eye and head coordination and sense of equilibrium and help reduce abnormal perceptions of movement. Consult your physician before starting an exercise program.
Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises
A disturbance in the vestibular system results in an inability to keep your eyes focused on an object during movement and the abnormal perception of movement while moving.
The following exercise aims to improve your coordination, balance and ability to move your eyes independent of your head and includes eye movements that can be performed while sitting or in bed. Begin by quickly moving your eyes from side to side and up and down. Next, bring your index finger 1 foot away from your face and quickly move your finger 3 feet away from you.
Head movement is also part of this exercise program. Begin by slowly moving your head backward, forward and side to side. Perform these head movements slowly with your eyes open, and as you progress in this exercise program, move your head quickly with your eyes closed. Perform one set of repetitions, twice daily.
Gaze Stabilization Exercises
Your physician may recommend this exercise to improve your ability to focus on a stationary object while moving, or while your head is moving. Begin by focusing on a stationary object directly ahead of you. Next, move your head from side to side while keeping your eyes focused on the stationary object. Perform these head movements for 60 seconds to improve your vestibular system. As you progress in this exercise, increase the speed in which you perform these head movements. Begin by moving your head slowly and then speed up the rate of your head movement. Perform one set of 10 repetitions, three times a day or as advised by your physician.
Walking Exercise
Symptoms associated with vertigo include dizziness, light-headedness, a spinning sensation, and unsteadiness while walking or moving. Walking is a powerful exercise that helps to improve your balance, muscle tone and confidence. Begin this exercise by walking five steps and then stopping abruptly, states Providence Health and Services. Wait 10 seconds to alleviate any dizziness or light-headedness you may experience as result of your vertigo. Repeat this exercise until you have walked 50 feet. Next, walk five steps, turn around and walk five steps in the opposite direction. Wait 10 seconds to alleviate any unsteadiness or dizziness you may experience. Repeat this exercise 10 times, twice daily.
Standing Exercises
Begin this exercise by sitting upright. Next, quickly stand on your feet and sit back down with your eyes open. Repeat this 20 times. Next, move from a sitting position to standing upright with your eyes closed. Repeat with your eyes closed 20 times. Next, throw a small ball from one hand to your other hand, with both hands above eye level. Repeat this 20 times. Next, throw the same ball from one hand to your other hand with both your hands at knee level. Repeat this 20 times.
References
- HealthCommunities.com; Vertigo Overview, Incidence & Prevalence; January 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: The Vestibular System and Vertigo;
- BrainandSpineFoundation.org: Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
- Providence Health and Services; Walking Exercises for Vertigo; December 2010
- ENT Kent; Vertigo Rehabilitation Exercises; November 2010
