A Guide to Living Well with Vestibular Disorders

About 22.9% of the population experiences dizziness or vertigo within a 12-month period. And each year, around 3.1% of people develop new cases.

In general, about 40% of individuals over 40 deal with dizziness or vertigo-related issues, and this number goes up as we age.

So, this is the full guide for anyone living with vestibular disorders. Knowing how vestibular rehabilitation therapy works will help you get the right treatment for yourself.

Get to know Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders happen when something’s not right in your inner ear or the brain areas that help you keep balance and process movement, direction.

When things go wrong there, it can lead to inner ear balance problems, making you feel off, unsteady or like the world is spinning. That’s where dizziness and vertigo often begin, turning everyday movements into a challenge. adjust grammar.

Common types of Vestibular Disorders

BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo): One of the most common, it causes short, intense spinning (vertigo) when you move your head a certain way, like lying down or turning over in bed.
Vestibular neuritis & labyrinthitis: Often caused by viruses, show up suddenly with dizziness, nausea, and trouble walking straight.
Meniere’s disease: Comes in waves, with vertigo attacks, hearing changes, and ringing in the ear.
Bilateral vestibulopathy: Balance is off on both sides. Hard to walk in the dark or keep steady when moving.
Vestibular migraine: A mix of migraine symptoms with spinning sensations (vertigo).

Discover how vestibular disorders are treated

Lifestyle changes: For instance, cutting back on salty foods may help reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear, and avoiding personal vertigo triggers can prevent flare-ups.
Medications may treat the underlying cause or relieve uncomfortable symptoms like antibiotics for infections, diuretics (water pills) to drain excess fluid, or medications to ease nausea and dizziness.
Canalith repositioning is a go-to treatment for BPPV. A therapist guides your head through a series of specific movements to shift tiny crystals in your inner ear back where they belong, helping to reduce vertigo.
Vestibular rehabilitation involves targeted exercises that improve balance, reduce dizziness, and train your brain to adapt to changes in the inner ear.
Surgery is typically a last resort, used only in severe cases when other treatments haven’t worked and symptoms are significantly affecting quality of life.

The Power of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a special type of physical therapy made to help people dealing with dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, and visual disturbances.

It can be a good option for people recovering from head injuries or dealing with conditions like migraines or stroke. Even older adults who feel unsteady can benefit from it to stay safer and more confident on their feet.

So how important is it?

Less dizziness, less spinning
Better balance, fewer falls
Clearer vision on the move
More confidence every day
Feel calmer and in control

Here’s what you need to know before having VRT:

You’ll need a proper assessment.
Your program will be personalized: Everyone’s dizziness is different, so your therapist will create a custom plan based on your balance, walking, and strength. Exercises may include eye control, balance training, and stretching.
You’ll need to be consistent: Some feel better in a few sessions, others need weeks or months. Most do six to eight weekly sessions plus home exercises to keep improving.
It’s a team effort: VRT works best when you stay active—your therapist will guide you, but progress comes from your own effort.

4 Lifestyle Tips to Manage Vestibular Disorders Every Day

Stay Hydrated & Eat Smart: What you eat and drink matters. Staying hydrated supports inner ear function, and a balanced diet with omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D can help you feel more stable. Try to cut back on salty and sugary foods as well.
Keep Moving Gently: Gentle exercises like yoga, tai chi, or walking can do wonders. They boost blood flow, support your vestibular system, and help your body regain balance.
Prioritize Sleep & Manage Stress: A tired brain struggles more with balance. Make sleep a priority and build a calming bedtime routine.
Know Your Limits & Pace Yourself: Don’t push through fatigue. Set small, doable goals for your day and take breaks when your body asks for it.

At Lotus, we provide calming and gentle social activities designed to support your emotional well-being and a safe space to adjust, recover, and strengthen at your own pace.

Take care of your health and manage vestibular disorders together with us!