Functional outcome of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with abnormal sensory-organization testing.

ABSTRACT

A goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to improve the functional status of patients with balance disorders. Despite the focus of vestibular rehabilitation on function, few objective data describe the outcome of vestibular rehabilitation in terms of balance function. In this prospective observational study, we tested a well-defined patient cohort (n = 67) with abnormal pretreatment sensory-organization testing who were undergoing vestibular rehabilitation. Patient outcomes were determined by using objective and subjective measures of function before and after rehabilitation. Overall, 60% of patients showed objective improvement of balance function; 25% of patients improved to normal. Analysis of success and failure of vestibular rehabilitation is important as an aid to appropriate patient counseling and efficient use of rehabilitation resources.