Description

Physiotherapists play a significant role in the management of the dizzy patient. More specifically their roles include screening patients for vestibular rehabilitation (VR) and assessing the multidimensional factors of disability associated with dizziness and balance disorders. Physiotherapists aim to capitalise on the information obtained during screening and assessment processes in order to formulate customised VR exercise programmes. Customised programmes compare favourably to preset exercise regimens such as the adapted Cawthorne programme developed in the 1940s. However, generic exercises may provide a starting point for patients in the subacute period after a vestibular deficit. A low threshold for referral to physiotherapy should be adopted for any patient who fails to progress within the first two months after a vestibular deficit, especially if preset exercises have been trialled. The interlinked roles of the physiotherapist are complementary to those of ENT clinicians but can only be fully realised when there is close multi-disciplinary team working.