SERVICES
Vestibular Dysfunction
Understanding Vestibular Dysfunction
Vestibular dysfunction can result in dizziness, vertigo, nausea, light-headedness, tinnitus, blurred vision, loss of balance, headaches and a feeling that you are spinning. This is because the vestibular system sends signals to the part of your brain that controls eye movements and balance. Any interference with these signals can cause the symptoms mentioned above.
Some people only experience mild symptoms that might be frustrating, but do not affect the quality of their lives. Others can experience severe debilitation, due to a loss in balance that can result in falls, as well as an inability to drive, work or enjoy life.
The vestibular system can be damaged by an injury or disease, even by the aging process. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Light-headedness.
- Blurred vision.
- Loss of balance.
- Vertigo.
- Nausea.
- Tinnitus.
- Spinning.
Some of the conditions that can cause vestibular dysfunction include head injuries, Meniere’s Disease, Acoustic Neuroma, BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), Labyrinthitis, and dizziness associated with migraines or the aging process.
Rehabilitation for vestibular dysfunction
Since there are a number of causes of your vestibular dysfunction, it’s important that a correct diagnosis is made and this may involve being referred to your medical practitioner. With the correct diagnosis to hand, we can design a treatment program that suits your specific needs and addresses your symptoms.
This may include balance and strengthening exercises, gaze retraining exercises to improve the focus of your eyes when moving your head, and gait drills that teach your vestibular system to overcome the mixed signals. Treatment may also include functional tasks to desensitise your vestibular system or various head and body movements to resolve dizziness.
The aim of your treatment is to reduce your symptoms by developing mechanisms that help you to improve your quality of life, retain your independence and experience relief from symptoms.
For more information on how Equip Rehabilitation can help you or a relative manage vestibular dysfunction, call us on 0400 758 119, send us an email or BOOK ONLINE..