Vestibular Ocular Reflex Exercises

Vestibular rehabilitation, or re-training someone to keep his balance, uses exercises to improve balance. If you suffer dizziness or vertigo from a disorder or after an injury, these exercises can lessen the risks of physical falls and increase the amount of physical activity someone can perform. Vestibulo-ocular reflex exercises help patients keep focus and a stable gaze during a variety of motions.

Epley and Semont Maneuvers

• Doctors can perform either the Epley or Semont maneuvers, both of which help to move debris from any sensitive parts of the ear, if you suffer from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV. The Epley maneuver moves the head into four distinct positions, with each position lasting about 30 seconds. The Semont maneuver quickly moves the patient from lying on one side to the other. Patients can perform both exercises either in the doctor's office or at home.

Gaze Stabilization

• Patients can also perform daily gaze stabilization exercises for vestibular rehabilitation. During these exercises, you look at a stationary object and move your head 45 degrees to either side, trying to remain focused on the object. You can also raise the difficulty of the exercises by speeding up your head's movement, looking at an object nearer or farther to you and holding your head lower or higher to your chest.

Balance Exercises

• Similar to gaze stabilization exercises, patients can perform balance exercises daily rather than waiting for an office visit. By varying the surface on which you stand, the speed of movement and visual input such as your eyes being closed or open, you can make the exercises more difficult to perform. Doing alternative activities such as yoga, Tai Chi or sports like golf and bowling can also improve balance and ease dizziness.