What is vestibular rehabilitation therapy primarily designed to improve?

• A. Gaze stabilization and balance training only.
• B. Auditory processing rehabilitation.
• C. Pharmacologic management to suppress vestibular input.
• D. Exercise-based therapy to promote gaze stabilization (VOR), habituation, balance and gait training, and postural adaptation.

Answer: (D)

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy uses purposeful, repetitive exercises to help the brain compensate for reduced vestibular input. It aims to improve gaze stability through training of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, reduce motion-provoked dizziness via habituation to provocative movements, and enhance balance and gait by retraining postural control and sensory integration. The program also teaches postural strategies to adapt to different environments, making daily activities safer and easier. It’s an active, exercise-based approach, not focused on auditory processing or pharmacologically suppressing vestibular input, which wouldn’t promote lasting compensation.