Vestibular dysfunction is a severe disability that affects the body’s balance system. It can be a result of any injuries to the vestibular system of the inner ear or the central nervous system processing center. Symptoms usually consist of unsteady gait, vertigo, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, intolerance to quick head motion, and postural instability with nystagmus as well.
Vestibular dysfunction can be divided into two:
- Acute peripheral vestibular dysfunction
- Acute central vestibular dysfunction
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common type of acute peripheral vestibular dysfunction, and acute central vestibular dysfunction is commonly caused by an ischemic stroke of the posterior fossa. This posterior fossa contains the cerebellum, which plays a pivotal role in coordinating and regulating multiple functions in both the brain and body.
Moreover, vertebrobasilar artery disease can also result in stroke, and patients with this condition are often initially diagnosed with syncopal episodes and/or vestibular dysfunction. Which is why doctors have to initially identify the cause of vestibular dysfunction in order to find the best possible treatment for this condition.
Symptoms of Vestibular Hypofunction
To properly treat vestibular dysfunction, early identification of demyelinating disorders is necessary. The symptoms of vestibular dysfunction will depend entirely on the cause of the disorder and can vary from person to person. Patients may experience the symptoms suddenly and each symptom can range from mild to severe. These symptoms may last for a few days to even weeks. The most common symptoms of vestibular dysfunction include the following.
- Vertigo
- Nausea and vomiting
- intolerance to quick head motion
- Blurred vision
- Spontaneous nystagmus
- Unsteady gait
- Dizziness
- Postural instability and poor balance
The prevalence of these symptoms varies based on the intensity of the condition. Moreover, we cannot say that there is a single symptom that is pathognomonic for vestibular dysfunction. Only a complete analysis of any previous injury and physical examination can help doctors differentiate between peripheral or central vestibular dysfunction.
The Best Exercises to Treat Vestibular Hypofunction
There are several types of exercises to treat vestibular hypofunction. The aim of these low-impact exercises is to improve a person’s central or brain’s compensation if he/she has encountered any injuries or abnormalities within the vestibular or balance system. The abnormalities affect the way our brain interprets information gained from the vestibular or balance system.
If this part of the system experiences any sort of injury or abnormality, the brain must be retrained to interpret accurately every information it receives. The exercises for vestibular hypofunction helps stimulate the vestibular apparatus and makes it easier for the brain to process any sort of information.
By repeating these exercises, you are training your brain to learn, tolerate and precisely interpret any type of stimulation without experiencing the symptoms of vestibular hypofunction. Moreover, exercises even teach the brain to adapt to an abnormal stimulus. It works almost similarly to the exercises skaters or dancers perform in order to keep themselves from becoming dizzy when they spin around quickly.
*Also keep in mind that the exercises can commonly induce some symptoms of vestibular hypofunction as part of the process, therefore,make sure to consult with a doctor or Board Certified Physical Therapist before beginning the exercises.
1) Bending Exercises:
Step 1: Sit upright in a chair and keep your head straight with your eyes focusing forward.
Step 2: Slowly bend your head down and look at the floor for 10 seconds while keeping your body in the upright position itself. Only move your head and neck.
Step 3: Now bring your head back to the initial position and then look up to the ceiling for 10 seconds.
Step 4: Repeat the entire exercise again for at least 10 times.
2) Turning side to side:
Step 1: Sit straight in a chair and keep your head straight with your eyes focusing forward.
Step 2: Slowly turn your head to the left, leading with your eyes, and hold the position for 10 seconds.
Step 3: Now slowly turn your head to the right and hold the position for 10 seconds.
Step 4: Repeat the side to side movement 10 times. Also, make sure to turn your head at a slower pace.
3) Gaze stabilization exercises
The gaze stabilization exercises are a great way to improve vision. It also provides you with the ability to concentrate on a stationary object while the head is in motion.
Step 1:Sit straight in a chair and keep your head straight
Step 2: Keep an object as a target in front of you and keep your eyes focused on the object.
Step 3: Slowly turn your head from side to side, and gradually increase the speed without taking your eyes off the target.
Step 4: These exercises may provoke symptoms of vestibular hypofunction. If you feel too dizzy, then slow the head movement and let your brain adapt to the exercise.
Step 5: Continue performing the exercise and repeat it at least 5 times a day. Initially, you may perform the exercise for 10 seconds, but make sure to slowly build up to 1 minute.
4) Brandt-daroff exercises
This exercise requires you to be in a sitting as well as lying position, therefore, it’s best to perform this vestibular hypofunction exercise while sitting on your bed.
Step 1: Sit straight on the edge of your bed with your feet touching the floor.
Step 2: Slowly turn your head at 45 degrees to the right side.
Step 3: Quickly lie down on your left side and make sure that the back of your head behind your ear touches the bed.
Step 4: Remain in this position for 30 seconds
Step 5: Return to the initial sitting position.
Step 6: Turn your head at 45 degrees to the left side
Step 7: Quickly lie down on your right side and repeat the same steps 3 times. The exercise is really effective if you can perform it at least 3 times a day.
5) Chin tuck exercises
Step 1: Sit straight in a chair and keep your head and neck straight.
Step 2: Keep an object as a target in front of you and keep your eyes focused on the object.
Step 3: Slowly bring your chin downward such that it touches your chest. Keep your eyes still focused on the target.
Step 4: Make sure that you feel a good stretch at the top of the neck and base of the head.
Step 5: Hold the position for 5 seconds and repeat the exercise 10 times. The chin tuck exercises
can also be performed while standing.
Conclusion
The exercises to treat vestibular hypofunction can vary widely based on the type of disorder and its cause. Therefore, it is advised to begin the exercises only after a specific diagnosis by a doctor. Typically, the exercises for vestibular hypofunction are focused on eye movements, posture training, and improving balance.
Exercises for all these conditions are included in physical therapy, which is why PT is considered an effective way to treat this disorder. There have been several cases of improved outcomes with supervised, customized physical therapy rather than a common exercise program with no frequent supervision. The experts doing physiotherapy in Richmond Hill focus on these types of exercises that are custom-made depending on the problems or the intensity of the disorder.
Author Bio:
Cindy Williams is a blogger in Canada. She graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.
