Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) in Individuals With Vertigo

Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Alone or in Combination on Balance and Visual Function in Individuals With Vertigo and Somatic Dysfunction

Western University of Health Sciences is seeking men and women to participate in a study on the effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) in patients with vertigo. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of OMT in the treatment of individuals with vertigo, alone and in combination with Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). Because of the health care costs associated with vertigo, the cost effectiveness of OMT and VRT will also be examined.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Symptoms of dizziness or a diagnosis of vertigo for longer than 3 months duration
• Able to tolerate 30 minutes of sitting and standing
• Able to transfer from sitting to standing and move independently
• Able tolerate manual therapy and exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe traumatic injury
• Bleeding disorders and anticoagulation (Coumadin) therapy
• Currently receiving VRT, vision therapy, or manual medicine (OMT, Chiropractic, etc.) or received manual medicine within the past three months
• Down syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Endolymphatic Hydrops
• Legal blindness in one or both eyes
• Menieres disease
• Neurological conditions (including Peripheral Neuropathy, Stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral aneurysm, and Multiple Sclerosis)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Spinal trauma or history of cervical spine surgery