The balance systems of the human ear complement each other, sending equal impulses to the brain that are necessary for people to maintain balance in the head and trunk. If either or all of the balance centers are damaged, the person’s balance can be disturbed. The result can be vertigo or dizziness, and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Although these symptoms can be stressful, they are not severe enough to be life-threatening.
Moreover, these conditions can be managed with special training. The purpose of training is to create a tolerance system in the brain, a mechanism that compensates for the imbalance between the two ears. These trainings stimulate the development of the tolerance system, and the harder and more regular the training, the faster the vertigo symptoms will disappear.
As long as the vertigo persists, the training must be continued 3 times a day for at least 5 minutes each time. This will take about 1-3 months. We need to make a conscious effort to select the head position and movements that will cause tolerable vertigo. This is because the more often vertigo is induced, the faster the brain builds up its compensatory mechanism. While the brain’s compensatory system is being established, certain medications can help control vertigo. Any such pills must be taken regularly during the training process.
During the training period, we recommend to try to have a normal life, and an earlier return to work and sports will help recovery In the training, the patient needs to be diligent and persistent in practice, but at the same time, the earlier and more standardized the balance training regime is developed, the faster and better the recovery will be.
I. A. Bed rest
1. Eye movements – slow first, then fast
(1) Up and down movement
(2) From one side to the other
(3) Eye gaze at fingers, the latter moving from 3 inches from the face to 1 inch
2. Head movement – slow then fast, finally closing the eyes
(1) Forward bending and backward tilting
(2) Rotation from side to side
II.B. Sitting position (completed during the course)
1. and 2. same as part A 1 and 2
3. Shoulder movement: shrugging and shoulder rotation
4. Forward bending and picking up objects from the floor
III.C. Standing position (completed in the course)
1. Complete A part 1, 2 and B part 3
2. Change the sitting and standing positions, while opening and closing the eyes first
3. Throw a small ball from one hand to the other hand (above eye level)
4. Throw 1 small ball from one hand to the other (below the knee level)
5.Change the posture: sitting position – turn around – standing position
IV.D. Activities (completed in the course)
1. Turn around the person located in the center of the circle, from which the person throws a large ball and passes the ball back to his or her hands
2. Cross the room with eyes open and closed respectively
3. Walk up and down the slope with eyes open and closed respectively
4. Walking up and down stairs with eyes open and closed
5. Any game including forward bending and stretching, and need to aim at objects such as small poles, wooden balls, basketballs and so on.