Falls can significantly affect the quality of life, especially as we age. For many, the fear of falling can limit daily activities, social engagement, and independence. In this case, we’ll explore how Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls through the story of a 65-year-old woman who experienced frequent falls and difficulty with balance.
The Story
Our patient was generally healthy but had noticed an increasing imbalance. As the primary carer for her husband, who is suffering from dementia, her unsteady gait became a significant concern. Simple tasks, such as walking around the house, had become challenging.
After a detailed assessment, we found that her vestibular system—a vital body part that helps maintain balance—was not functioning correctly on the left side. Several clinical tests confirmed this:
- Sit Stand Test took more than 45 seconds, and she couldn't complete it with her eyes closed.
- Romberg’s Test was positive, meaning she struggled to maintain balance when standing with her feet together.
- Fukuda’s Test revealed that her body naturally veered to the left.
- Her Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR), which stabilises vision during head movements, was weak on the left side.
- Computerized Dynamic Posturography showed her confidence in maintaining balance was low.
Despite these challenges, we were confident that Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy could help.
The Treatment Plan
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy stimulates and improves the vestibular system’s function. The aim was simple: to reduce this woman’s risk of falling and to restore her confidence in everyday activities. Over eight weeks, VRT was performed twice daily, with three supervised sessions per week. The therapy focused on exercises that challenged her balance, head movement, and visual tracking. In the final three weeks, virtual reality-based vestibular training was introduced to accelerate her progress further.
The Results
Improvements were noticeable by week two. The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) improved significantly, and by the end of the eight weeks, she reported feeling much more confident. She could walk along the beach without fear and navigate obstacles that once seemed impossible. Her fear of falling down stairs persisted slightly, but even that showed signs of improvement.
Why This Matters
This case illustrates how specialised therapies like VRT can dramatically improve quality of life. It’s not just about preventing falls; it's about restoring independence, confidence, and the ability to enjoy life. With VRT, this woman avoided everyday tasks and enjoyed vacations and excursions.
Takeaway
Balance issues and falls are more than just a physical concern; they affect emotional well-being and independence. If you or a loved one are struggling with balance, vestibular rehabilitation may offer a solution. By improving the brain’s coordination with the body, it’s possible to regain confidence and reduce the risk of falls, allowing for a fuller, more active life.
If you want to learn more about how Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy can benefit you, feel free to schedule a consultation. For more information, check out our service page.
