What is Vestibular Hypofunction?
Vestibular hypofunction occurs when one or both balance organs in the inner ear are not working as effectively as they should. This reduces the brain's ability to accurately process balance and movement information, leading to dizziness, unsteadiness and blurred vision during head movements.
Vestibular hypofunction may affect one ear (unilateral vestibular hypofunction) or both ears (bilateral vestibular hypofunction). It can develop following conditions such as vestibular neuritis, Ménière's disease, inner ear infections, head injuries, certain medications or age-
related changes.
Unlike vertigo caused by BPPV, vestibular hypofunction often causes a constant feeling of imbalance rather than brief spinning episodes. Symptoms are frequently worse when walking, moving the head, exercising or in dark or visually busy environments.
With specialist vestibular rehabilitation, many people experience significant improvements in balance, confidence and quality of life.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Vestibular rehabilitation is the primary treatment for vestibular hypofunction. Specific exercises encourage the brain to adapt to changes in the balance system, improving stability and reducing dizziness over time.
At Greenacre Physio, treatment may include:
- Comprehensive vestibular assessment
- Gaze stabilisation exercises
- Vestibular adaptation exercises
- Balance and postural control training
- Walking and gait rehabilitation
- Habituation exercises where appropriate
- Functional mobility training
- Falls prevention strategies
- Return to work, driving and sport guidance
- Personalised home exercise programmes
Every rehabilitation programme is tailored to your symptoms, goals and level of vestibular dysfunction, ensuring safe and effective progression.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
Vestibular rehabilitation is one of Greenacre Physio's specialist areas. Our clinicians have extensive experience diagnosing and treating vestibular hypofunction through specialist NHS vestibular and neurological services, as well as private practice.
We understand that persistent dizziness and balance problems can affect every aspect of daily life. Using evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation, we aim to improve your balance, reduce your symptoms and help you return to work, exercise and the activities you enjoy with confidence.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, as well as through home visits and virtual consultations.
What to Expect
Your first appointment will include a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history and how dizziness affects your daily activities. We will carry out a comprehensive vestibular assessment, including assessment of your eye movements, balance, walking and vestibular function.
Following your assessment, we will explain the findings and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme designed to improve your balance and reduce dizziness. Your exercises will be progressed regularly as your brain adapts and your symptoms improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vestibular hypofunction recover?
Many people experience significant improvement through a process called vestibular compensation, where the brain adapts to changes in the inner ear. Vestibular rehabilitation helps encourage and speed up this process.
How long does vestibular rehabilitation take?
Recovery varies depending on whether one or both inner ears are affected, your general health and how long symptoms have been present. Some people improve within a few weeks, while others require several months of rehabilitation.
Will I always feel dizzy?
Not necessarily. Many people experience a substantial reduction in dizziness and improvements in balance following a structured vestibular rehabilitation programme. Early assessment and treatment often lead to the best outcomes.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, ENT consultants, neurologists, audiologists and other healthcare professionals.
Book an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with vestibular hypofunction or are experiencing persistent dizziness, imbalance or blurred vision during head movements, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics, arrange a home visit, or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced vestibular physiotherapists.
Common Symptoms We Treat
- Persistent dizziness
- Feeling unsteady when walking
- Blurred vision during head movements (oscillopsia)
- Balance problems
- Motion sensitivity
- Difficulty walking in the dark
- Difficulty walking on uneven ground
- Increased risk of falls
- Reduced confidence with mobility
- Difficulty returning to work, driving or exercise
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Vestibular Hypofunction?
Vestibular hypofunction can have a significant impact on your balance, confidence and ability to stay active. At Greenacre Physio, we provide comprehensive vestibular assessments to accurately identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a rehabilitation programme tailored to your individual needs.
Our clinicians have specialist experience working within NHS vestibular and neurological services, treating people with both unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Using evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation, we help your brain adapt to changes in the balance system, improve stability, reduce dizziness and support a safe return to everyday activities, work and sport.