Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular disorders involve dysfunction of the vestibular system, which helps regulate balance and spatial orientation. Common conditions include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, and vestibular migraines. Causes of vestibular disorders may be from inner ear problem, neurological conditions, infections, medications, or spontaneously. Of which, spontaneous occurrence is most commonly seen for BPPV.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Vertigo, a false sensation of spinning or movement, often triggered by head changes or certain positions.
- Difficulty maintaining balance, especially when walking or standing.
- Nausea and Vomiting, often associated with severe vertigo
- Tinnitus, ringing or buzzing in the ears, commonly seen in conditions like Meniere’s disease.
- Increased dizziness or discomfort when moving the head or body, often seen in vestibular migraines.
- Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or trouble with visual tracking, particularly during head movements.
Physiotherapy Managements:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT):
- Habituation Exercises: Designed to reduce sensitivity to motion stimuli. Patients perform movements that provoke symptoms, gradually increasing their tolerance.
- Balance Training: To improve the balance problem
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Help improve visual stability during head movements.
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers : Specifically, for BPPV, techniques like the Epley maneuver are used to reposition dislodged otoliths in the inner ear, alleviating symptoms.
- Strengthening Exercises : Focus on strengthening core and lower limb muscles to improve overall stability and reduce fall risk.
- Coordination Training : To improve coordination and proprioception, which can help reduce the feeling of unsteadiness.
- Education and Lifestyle Modifications : Educating patients about their condition, potential triggers, and strategies to manage symptoms. Encouraging hydration, a balanced diet, and avoiding known triggers (e.g., rapid head movements).
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