Exercise strategies for vestibular disorders.

Two exercise approaches can be used in the treatment of decreased or absent vestibular function--adaptation of the vestibular system and the substitution of alternative strategies to replace vestibular function. If the patient has remaining vestibular function, exercises that enhance vestibular adaptation are emphasized. Patients with complete loss of vestibular function are given exercises that promote substitution of alternative strategies for the lost vestibular function. The exercises can be modified according to certain characteristics of the vestibular system. Vestibular function tests such as caloric, rotational, and posturography tests provide necessary information for deciding which exercise approach is most appropriate for the patient.