Vestibular Rehabilitation Program
| Dr. Nicole Paquet, Researcher Elizabeth Dannenbaum, Physiotherapist, Assistant Researcher Objective Since its inauguration in 1999, the Vestibular Rehabilitation Program at the JRH has offered out-patient treatment to people suffering from dizziness and balance problems linked to impairment of the inner ear. Connected to the brain, the vestibular system helps control eye movements, balance and body orientation. Vestibular system problems can create dizziness, or balance impairments, and cause blurry vision and nystagmus (abnormal eye-jerking). Specialized physiotherapy services are offered through the Outpatient Clinic, with the objective of accelerating the natural recovery of those with a vestibular pathology, and bringing about a recovery of balance, mobility and visual acuity. Over the last few years, we have become leaders in the reduction and elimination of dizzy spells and balance impairments, as well as major contributors in research initiatives in the field of vestibular rehabilitation. Approach We offer individualized evaluations and interventions in physiotherapy for those with vestibular conditions, helping them adapt to and compensate for the negative impact on their sense of balance. Our program has had great treatment success. As a testament to our achievements in rehabilitation, we have reported that 89% of clients treated under our program had a significant improvement in their balance, and a substantial reduction in their dizzy spells. As well, almost all clients suffering from cases of benign positional vertigo have reported the complete disappearance of their symptoms after an average of 3 treatment sessions. |   |
- Measurement of dizziness
- Measurement of the handicap caused by the dizzy spells
- Spontaneous nystagmus
- Provocative manoeuvers
- Vestibulo-ocular function
- Dynamic visual acuity
- Static and dynamic balance
Examples of interventions
- Canalith repositioning
- Gaze-stabilization exercises
- Habituation Exercises
- Static and dynamic balance exercises
In developing our clinical program for vestibular rehabilitation, research has remained a priority. Since the clinicians of the program are also researchers, there is an immediate transfer of the new knowledge obtained in research towards the clinical practice. Such a facility of transfer is not very frequent in the medical field, and is a major benefit to our program.
Clientele
The Vestibular Rehabilitation Clinic addressed Laval residents diagnosed with a vestibular pathology such as benign positional vertigo, vestibular hypofonction, or dizziness/vertigo following a head trauma. It also offers services to those who are recovering from surgery to the inner ear, including excision of an acoustic neuroma (a form of benign tumor), or a labyrinthectomy (surgical removal of a portion of the inner ear).
Admissions Criteria
Clients must have a reference from an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) or a neurologist, including a diagnosis of a vestibular condition. References are accepted by fax, or telephone, at the Outpatient clinic.
Teaching and Continuing Education
Since 1999, the members of the Vestibular Program have given courses in continuous education in vestibular rehabilitation to physiotherapists, and to second-year students enrolled in physiotherapy at McGill University. Our reputation as experts in the field has expanded prodigiously, and given us international recognition. Indeed, we were invited to teach about thirty physiotherapists in the United Kingdom in 2002.
Contact Information Outpatient Clinic Secretary
Phone: 450-688-9550, extension 4482
Fax: 450-688-0421
