Being dizzy and falling often due to a vestibular balance disorder can be scary. Fortunately, physical therapy rehabilitation is commonly prescribed for people who are diagnosed with a vestibular balance disorder. If you've been diagnosed with a vestibular balance disorder and have been prescribed physical therapy, here are a few important things you can do to ensure progress with your vestibular balance rehabilitation.

Discuss Your Medication 

Certain medications can cause vestibular balance problems, so you'll need to discuss your medications with your physician, both over the counter medicines and ones you've been prescribed. Some medication constricts the blood vessels in the brain, which can lead to vestibular problems or vertigo. You may need to change medication before you attempt to undergo physical therapy. Before your first physical therapy session, be sure to inform your physical therapist about all the medications you take. 

Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine is also known to constrict blood vessels in the brain. Avoid caffeinated beverages and foods that contain caffeine, such as chocolate, particularly before going to physical therapy. That way you will be less likely to get dizzy while doing the exercises during physical therapy. It's important to note that some decaffeinated coffees do contain some caffeine, though lower in amount than regular coffee. Also, some over the counter medication contain caffeine.

Stay Hydrated

It's always important to be hydrated, particularly before your physical therapy sessions and while you are doing them. The reason for this is because your body needs fluids, including in the inner ear. The inner ear has endolymph fluid, which contains water, sodium, chloride, potassium, and electrolytes. As you workout, your body temperature increases and uses some of your stored water as a natural coolant, to use simple terms. Proper hydration can also increase your energy level, which will help you when you're doing physical therapy sessions. 

Be Descriptive

When meeting with your rehabilitation team for the first time for your initial evaluation, it's important to be as descriptive as possible when describing how you feel when you experience dizziness and balance problems. Describing your symptoms as effectively as possible will help your physical therapy team understand how your condition affects you so they will be able to determine the appropriate protocol or regimen for you to do under their supervision at the clinic as well as for you to do at home. At each subsequent therapy session, discuss and describe any changes you have felt or noticed in your symptoms.