Vestibular Rehab Exercises

Vestibular disorders refer to problems in the inner ear that cause dizziness, which can in turn cause nausea and trouble standing up. While these disorders are difficult to cure, it is possible to re-train the brain to better respond to feelings of dizziness through rehabilitation exercises.

Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises

• One of the first steps that those who deal with vestibular disorders should take is to perform Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises. These relatively simple exercises are both effective and can be performed at no cost. While a physical therapist can interact with a person to teach the exercises and evaluate skill in performing them, they should be performed daily for best results. These exercises include:
  • While seated or lying down, move the eyes from side to side. Do this first slowly, then quickly 20 times. Repeat, this time moving the eyes up and down. Next, focus on one finger with your arm extended, then move the finger in front of your face.
  Next, perform head movements, first moving the head forward and then backward 20 times. Once again, begin slowly, then quickly. Repeat, turning the head from side to side.
  • While seated, perform the same eye and head movements as listed above. Then, perform 20 shoulder shrugs and circles.
  Drop something (such as a pen or credit card) on the ground, then bend down to pick it up.
  • While standing, repeat the eye, head and shoulder movements listed earlier. Then, alternate between a standing and seated position, first with the eyes open then with the eyes closed, five times each.
  Using a small ball, throw the ball from hand to hand above eye level. Then, while holding the ball below your knees, pass the ball from hand to hand.

Physical Activities

• Just as the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises require the body to change position in order to achieve balance, there are recreational activities that can achieve the same aim. These include golf, bowling, tennis, ping-pong, racquetball or dancing. Engaging in all these can help to re-train the brain to enhance balance.

Balance and Relaxation Activities

• In addition to recreational activities, exercises that require balance, such as yoga, tai chi and some other forms of martial arts, also may be beneficial in reducing both anxiety (which can be a trigger for dizziness) and in restoring balance.

Gaze Stabilization

• Gaze stabilization exercises are another option for helping those with vestibular disorders. This requires attaching a postcard or index card to a wall at eye level. Begin by looking straight at the index card, then turn the head to the right while keeping the eyes focused on the card. Then, turn your head to the left, focusing again on the index card.