title: Habituation therapy for chronic vestibular dysfunction: preliminary results.
abstract: Chronic vestibular dysfunction is often a frustrating problem for both patient and physician. A program of customized vestibular habituation therapy is introduced and its efficacy in a group of 65 patients is evaluated. Preliminary findings suggest that 59% of patients will have a dramatic improvement, after which their vestibular symptoms no longer cause any restriction in their lifestyles. An additional 23% of patients note considerable improvement, but have persistent symptoms that continue to restrict their activities. Vestibular habituation therapy is a rational, multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of chronic vestibular dysfunction that is a significant alternative to traditional pharmacologic management. Failure of vestibular compensation after involvement in a disciplined program of habituation therapy constitutes a much stronger indication for vestibular surgery in patients with unilateral peripheral lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Telian
authors.forename: N T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Shepard
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smith-Wheelock
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kemink
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D014717:Vertigo / Q000628:therapy; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000628:therapy*