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Physiotherapy for Vestibular Disorder

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Vestibular rehabilitation therapy consists of exercises that assist in managing dizziness, balance issues, and vestibular disorders.

Medically reviewed by

Mohammed Wajid

Published At May 16, 2023
Reviewed AtFebruary 13, 2024

Introduction

Vestibular balance disorder, also known as vestibular dysfunction, is a medical condition that affects the inner ear and is characterized by dizziness, vertigo, and other balance-related symptoms. Fortunately, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for vestibular disorder. This article will discuss the benefits of physiotherapy for vestibular disorder and how it can improve quality of life.

What Is Vestibular Disorder?

A vestibular balance disorder is a condition that affects the inner ear, which is responsible for the body’s sense of balance. It can result in various symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vertigo, and loss of balance. These symptoms can lead to multiple medical conditions, including traumatic brain injury, Meniere’s disease, stroke, and aging. In addition, the state can make everyday activities difficult and affect the ability to stay balanced while standing or walking. It also makes concentrating on tasks complex due to the dizziness and nausea associated with it. In some cases, it can lead to falls or injuries.

What Causes Vestibular Balance Disorders?

The followings are the common causes of vestibular disorders:

  • Medicines.

  • Inner ear problems, such as poor circulation in the ear

  • Infection.

  • Problems rooted in the brain, such as traumatic brain injury.

  • Calcium debris in the semicircular canals.

What Are the Symptoms of a Vestibular Balance Disorder?

The symptoms of the vestibular disorder include:

  • Dizziness.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Feeling off-balance.

  • Disorientation.

  • Falling or stumbling.

  • Nausea.

  • Vomiting.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Anxiety.

  • Fear.

  • Change in the heart’s rhythm.

  • The feeling of floating or as if the world is spinning.

How Is Vestibular Balance Disorder Diagnosed?

When diagnosing the vestibular disorder, there are a few tests that the doctor may use. These tests include:

  • Hearing Exam: During this test, the doctor will examine the inner ear for any signs of fluid buildup or other abnormalities.

  • Vision Exam: The doctor will also examine the eyes for signs of any internal eye problems. They will measure the eye movements and check for symptoms of dizziness.

  • Blood Test: A blood test can help the doctor to check for infections and other conditions that could be causing the symptoms.

  • Imaging Test of Head and Brain: An imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan can help the doctor to look at the structures inside the head, such as the brain and the inner ear. This test can help to detect any problems with the inner ear and determine if there is a vestibular disorder.

  • Clinical Balance Test: During a clinical balance test, the doctor will ask the patient to stand on one leg or walk in a straight line. It helps them to determine if they have any issues with balance, which is one of the main symptoms of vestibular disorder.

  • Posturography: It is the method for quantifying balance control in static or dynamic conditions.

By performing these tests, the doctor can diagnose and determine the best treatment for that condition. In some cases, the vestibular disorder can be treated without medications, but it is always best to seek medical advice before trying any treatments.

What Is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

  • Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy used to treat vestibular disorders, which are disorders that affect the inner ear and balance. This therapy includes specific exercises and activities designed to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and improve coordination. It may also include lifestyle modifications to help manage symptoms.

  • The main goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to reduce or eliminate dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance. Exercises and activities used in vestibular rehabilitation can help strengthen the muscles used for balance and coordination and increase awareness of body movements. Other components of vestibular rehabilitation can help with relaxation, stress relief, and improved posture.

  • Vestibular rehabilitation is usually conducted by a physical therapist specializing in treating balance and coordination disorders. Treatment typically takes place over several weeks or months to achieve long-term benefits.

Who Needs to Have This Treatment?

Dizziness can signify several medical conditions that affect the sense of balance. For example, muscle fatigue and headache can be caused by dizziness and balance problems. In addition, vestibular rehabilitation therapy may benefit people suffering from conditions such as:

1. Vertigo: A type of dizziness associated with a false sensation of spinning or movement; vertigo may be triggered by head movements or changes in position, often resulting in nausea and vomiting.

2. Meniere's Disease: This chronic disorder is characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, fullness, and fullness in the ear. If left untreated, the symptoms worsen and can cause permanent hearing loss. Meniere’s is believed to be caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, but its exact cause remains unknown.

3. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is an inner ear disorder. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals become dislodged from their usual location in the inner ear and move into the semicircular canals, where they create a sense of movement (spinning movement) whenever they move their head.

4. Labyrinthitis: An infection or inflammation of the labyrinth (part of the inner ear) that often causes vertigo, hearing loss, and other symptoms. Labyrinthitis may be caused by a virus or bacteria and is sometimes linked to colds and other upper respiratory infections and treated with antibiotics, antiviral, and steroid medications.

5. Vestibular Neuritis: Like labyrinthitis, this condition is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve that often results in vertigo (spinning or swaying sensation), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and imbalance.

6. Migraine Headaches: Many people with migraine headaches experience bouts of vertigo or dizziness as one of the symptoms of their migraines.

7. Stroke And Traumatic Brain Injury: A stroke and traumatic brain injury can cause damage to the inner ear and lead to vestibular disorder symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.

What Would Vestibular Physiotherapy Treatment Involve?

Vestibular physiotherapy treatment involves several specific exercises and interventions that are designed to help improve balance, eye movement, posture, and overall function. Depending on the type of vestibular disorder and its severity, the physiotherapist may suggest a tailored rehabilitation program. Some of the treatment interventions the physiotherapist may recommend include.

  • Epley Manoeuvre: This treatment would be chosen in the case of BPPV. It entails a variety of head and body movements to alleviate dizzy symptoms. It is a highly effective treatment that usually produces results after just one session.

  • Gaze Stability Retraining: This exercise can help improve the control of the gaze that works eyes to improve focus. While moving the head, they focus on a single point without experiencing dizziness or imbalance.

  • Balance Retraining Exercises: These exercises are designed to improve balance and coordination by teaching the body how to adapt to different positions and activities. They involve exercises that challenge balance by standing on one leg, closing the eyes, or using uneven surfaces.

  • Strengthening Exercises: Physiotherapists may also recommend strengthening exercises to help improve the ability to maintain good posture, reduce dizziness and improve balance.

  • Gait Drill: They involve a series of exercises that help to develop better control over the gait, such as walking over obstacles, walking and turning the head, or walking and counting backward. They allow the patient to walk with confidence.

  • Relaxation Advice: Relaxation techniques can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can often be associated with vestibular disorders.

What Are the Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation?

  • Reduce dizziness and risk of falls.

  • Improved balance.

  • Improved visual focus.

  • Increased confidence.

  • Regain energy levels.

  • Improved exercise tolerance.

  • It helps to return to normal activities of daily living.

Conclusion:

The vestibular physiotherapy treatment aims to help regain control over balance, posture, and overall function. The physiotherapist will discuss the above interventions with the patient before deciding which course of action is most suitable for the individual needs.

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Mohammed Wajid
Mohammed Wajid

Physiotherapy

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physiotherapyvestibular disturbance
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