The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate whether vestibular rehabilitation (VR) can improve balance, symptoms and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction (VH).
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Vestibular rehabilitation has systematic-review-level support for improving balance, symptoms, and quality of life in unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction; audiologists and vestibular specialists should continue recommending it as a core intervention.
A systematic review consolidating evidence for vestibular rehabilitation strengthens the evidence base that clinicians can cite when advocating for patient access to this therapy.
- 01Systematic review assessed vestibular rehabilitation in unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction (reduced inner-ear balance function).
- 02Outcomes examined include balance, self-reported symptoms, and quality of life.
- 03Evidence base spans patients with both partial and complete vestibular function loss.
- 04Findings are expected to inform clinical guidelines and referral pathways.
- 05Bilateral vestibular hypofunction, often harder to treat, is specifically addressed.
Vestibular rehabilitation improves balance, symptoms, and quality of life in patients with unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction.
studysupported- PMID
- 42828669
- DOI
- 10.1007/s13760-026-03195-6.
- Journal
- Acta Neurologica Belgica
- Publication type
- systematic_review
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Adults with unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction
- Intervention
- Vestibular rehabilitation (exercise-based therapy)
- Comparator
- Control or sham conditions (varied by included studies)
Primary outcomes
Balance function; Vestibular symptoms; Quality of life