Good balance is often taken for granted. However, when balance is impaired, simple activities such as getting up or walking can become quite exhausting and even dangerous. Balance is achieved via proper integration and functioning of three different systems: visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular.
The vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. These special sensory organs detect information regarding one's motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation. If there are disorders to the vestibular system as a result of aging, injury, or disease, a variety of signs and symptoms may occur:
- Dizziness (a lightheaded or floating sensation)
- Vertigo (a spinning or whirling sensation or a feeling that the person or world is moving when it is not)
- Imbalance or difficulty maintaining a straight posture
- Poor coordination or clumsiness
- Provocation of symptoms when changing positions or with quick head movements
- Trouble focusing on still objects or tracking moving objects
- Discomfort in busy visual environments, such as large crowds, stores, or looking at detailed patterns
- Sensitivity to moving or flickering lights or glare
The type and severity of symptoms depend on the cause of the vestibular disorder. In certain cases, physiotherapy is beneficial in decreasing the intensity or frequency of symptoms or even correcting the problem itself.
One of the most common causes of vertigo is due to BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). With this condition, crystals in the inner ear get dislodged, and error signals get sent to the brain resulting in false senses of movement and position. After determining which canal the crystals are lodged in, the problem can be corrected mechanically via a series of head movements.
Physiotherapy treatments may also include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, an exercise-based program designed to reduce dizziness and vertigo, minimize gaze instability, and improve balance and equilibrium. Balance exercises are designed to address stability issues while walking, bending, standing, reaching, and turning and decrease risks of falls.
If your world is spinning, don't wait so long to get assessed!
