Vestibular Imbalance
The vestibular system, made up of the parts of the inner ear and brain, processes the sensory information that controls balance and eye movements.
Vestibular disorders arise as a result of damage to this system. Visit a therapist at PT Central to begin your journey toward reduced fatigue, improved balance, and less dizziness and nausea caused by vestibular imbalance.
Almost 70 million people have experienced vestibular imbalance at some point in their lives. The majority of vestibular disorders in adults often go undiagnosed and untreated, resulting in a diminished quality of life and inability to perform normal day-to-day activities.
Symptoms of Vestibular Imbalance Disorders
Symptoms of vestibular imbalance disorders can greatly diminish quality of life and impact all aspects of daily living. Patients suffering from vestibular disorders often experience:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Vertigo, the sensation of spinning
- Nausea
- Impaired postural control
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Reduced Focus
- Fatigue
Vestibular imbalance can also contribute to emotional problems like anxiety and depression. Often, people suffering from vestibular disorders also adopt a sedentary lifestyle to avoid the primary symptoms, like dizziness and imbalance. As a result, decreased muscle strength and flexibility, increased joint stiffness, and reduced stamina can occur.
Causes of Vestibular Imbalance
Vestibular disorders can also result from or be worsened by genetic or environmental conditions, or occur for unknown reasons. Most commonly, causes include inner ear infections or disorders, migraines, tumors, stroke, or head injury.
The most commonly diagnosed vestibular disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, secondary endolymphatic hydrops, and perilymph fistula. Complications from autoimmune disorders and allergies can also cause vestibular imbalance.
Rehabilitation for Vestibular Imbalance
Evidence has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in improving symptoms related to many vestibular disorders.
Head and neck exercises designed to help the brain “correct” difference between your inner ears, as well as exercises designed to improve balance, can be instrumental to helping eliminate symptoms.
Additionally, PT Central’s physical therapists can help correct issues with balance and walking once vertigo has stopped.
