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Vestibular Dysfunction and Physiotherapy

Published: August 6, 2024

Vestibular dysfunction


What is it?

Vestibular dysfunction is an issue with one of your balance sensors i.e. the inner ear or its connection to the brain. It has a broad range of very debilitating symptoms, from mild balance issues, bumping into things or feeling drunk, to severe headaches, vomiting and falls. 

The symptoms tend to push people to the emergency department and rightly so to rule out an issue from the “computer itself” (aka the brain). Most of the time people will be sent home with anti-emetic medication (anti-nausea medication) for symptom management and very little direction on what to do next.

 

What to do next?

All Physiotherapists are trained to diagnose and treat some form of vestibular dysfunction… And guess what… It can be a very quick and effective treatment. So even if your doctor is hard to reach don’t hesitate to come and see us for help!

 

How do we treat it?
  • Exercises to habituate your vestibular system and reduce your symptoms, improve your balance, and help you to return to your normal activities.
  • Physio guided maneuvers are a super effective way to treat your symptoms with some types of vestibular dysfunction such as BPPV.
  • Cervical mobilisations are effective in some types of vestibular dysfunction.
  • Education on your condition to so that you can understand what is happening to your body.

 

What is that BPPV thing everyone talks about?

BPPV stands for BENIGN Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo… Thus, it is benign and not life threatening. However, it is very debilitating. Most BPPV episodes are treatable with a crystal relocating maneuver such as the “Epley maneuver” or “Barbecue roll”.

BPPV is caused when crystals in the inner ear get dislodged from the saccule or utricle (little sacs in your inner ear responsible for registering speed changes while moving). The crystals float around and then get stuck in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. The semicircular canal is like a sensory gimble to keep your vision nice and smooth while moving your head. Having a crystal stuck in the wrong place in your ear creates faulty signals to your brain when moving (like a snow globe that has been shaken). This causes the dizzy feeling with BPPV.

 

Summary and take away:

There a different types vestibular dysfunction and none of them are fun, but they are treatable by your physiotherapist. If you have concerns about your balance or are feeling dizzy, call 6281 2499 and make an appointment with us!

 

Author: Malo Leseigneur, Physiotherapist (B. Phty)