The vestibular system includes structures in the inner ear and connections to the brain that maintain the body’s sense of equilibrium, or balance. Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that focuses on minimizing the effects of imbalance disorders. Therapy consists of exercises specifically prescribed to treat the condition so that patients can return to a safe and active lifestyle. Exercises often incorporate eye and head movement to restore vestibular ocular reflex function. Dailey also assigns homework to enhance the effectiveness of PT sessions. For example, a person who gets dizzy in a busy environment might be assigned a trip to the gym at lunchtime or a walk through the mall. “The idea is to push patients by exposing them to their triggers in small doses, then allowing them to recover, with the goal of progressing to the point where they can tolerate normal things,” she says. For other patients, such as older adults with balance issues, therapy might include safer walking and transfer techniques, as well as vestibular exercises.