Patient exercises

Vestibular exercises

Neuro Medical Clinic, Mall Road, Saddar, Rawalpindi · Dr. Umar Zafar Ali, Neurologist & Medical Specialist

Movements for dizziness and unsteadiness, done seated at first.

This sheet sets out the vestibular routine given to patients with dizziness and unsteadiness. The movements work by asking the balance system to adapt, so a brief increase in symptoms early on is expected rather than a sign that something is wrong.

Begin seated, and only progress to standing once you feel steady doing them sitting down.

Dizziness may briefly increase at the start. Do these seated until you feel steady.

The routine itself is shown in the sheet below. Follow the version you were given in clinic if it differs.

Doing it properly

Little and often beats one long session. Keep to the stated frequency for at least two weeks before judging whether it is helping, and stop any movement that causes sharp pain rather than working through it.

Come in if

Symptoms are worsening, waking you at night, spreading to a new limb, or unchanged after four weeks. Walk in during clinic hours — Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 06:00 pm — and bring this guide and any reports with you.

A question about your own case is better answered by the doctor than by a guide. Message the clinic with your name and file number.

General education, not a prescription. Seek urgent care for sudden weakness, slurred speech, a first-ever fit, a face that has drooped, or the worst headache of your life.