As a Physiotherapist, I can't stress enough the game-changing impact of vestibular rehab on quality of life. This cutting-edge therapy is a total lifesaver for those battling dizziness, vertigo, motion sickness, and balance issues.

Vestibular Rehab is the go-to solution for a plethora of conditions, including:

BPPV (that spinning sensation)
Vestibular neuritis (inner ear inflammation)
Ménière's disease (vertigo)
Vestibular migraine (when headaches mess with your balance)
Post-concussion syndrome (post head injuries)

The 411 on motion sickness: It's all about sensory mismatch. Your eyes and inner ear are like that couple that can't agree on anything that result to Nausea, dizziness, and a serious case of the sicks.

Vestibular Rehab to the Rescue:

Habituation exercises: Controlled exposure to provocative stimuli.Habituation exercises are crucial in vestibular rehabilitation for managing motion sickness and related disorders. These exercises involve controlled, repeated exposure to movements or visual stimuli that typically provoke symptoms. The approach is based on neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to adapt to stimuli.
The process involves:

Identifying symptom triggers
Gradual exposure to these triggers
Repetition of exercises
Neural adaptation
Symptom reduction

Examples include:

Rotating the head while focusing on a stationary object
Watching moving patterns on a screen
Performing specific symptom-inducing movements under supervision of a vestibular therapist.
The key is finding the right balance to challenge the vestibular system without overwhelming it. This approach helps desensitize the brain to sensory conflicts, reducing symptom intensity in daily life situations.
Gaze stabilisation: Think Jedi mind tricks for your eyes, improving visual- vestibular coordination.
Balance training.

Treatment plan:

3-5 sessions per week, 15-20 minutes each.
Gradually increase difficulty
When to hit up a pro: If motion sickness is cramping your style for more than a few weeks, it's time to slide into a vestibular physio's chamber.

The Vestibular team includes:

ENT specialist
Neurologist
Vestibular physiotherapist

Top 5 exercises to slay motion sickness:

Head turns (start slow, then channel your inner headbanger)
Optokinetic training
Balance board work
Vestibulo-ocular reflex exercises
Virtual reality exposure (gaming can be therapy too!)
Vestibular ball exercises

Vertigo deserves a special shoutout – it's like motion sickness's dramatic cousin. Often caused by inner ear issues, it can make you feel like you're starring in your own personal spin-off.

Remember, vestibular rehab isn't just about fixing symptoms; it's about levelling up your overall balance game.