Understanding Vestibular Disorders and Their Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment can make living with vestibular disorders much more bearable.

Vestibular disorders affect a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Living with such a disorder makes daily life challenging. Moving around and performing everyday tasks are no longer straightforward.

Here is a look at how to manage and treat these disorders.

What are vestibular disorders?

Vestibular disorders are complex and encompass several conditions that affect the inner ear and the brain. They make processing sensory information that deals with controlling balance and eye movement harder to control. Some types of vestibular disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis.

Symptoms of vestibular disorders

While only an experienced doctor can determine if someone has any disorder or disease, including vestibular disorders, there are some telltale symptoms. The most common, regardless of disorder type, are dizziness and vertigo (a feeling of “the world spinning around”), combined with imbalance and spatial disorientation. Other issues to look out for include nausea and vomiting, especially during vertigo, tinnitus, or hearing loss in some cases.

Causes of these disorders

Several risk factors can lead to these disorders. For example, inner ear infections and inflammations are common causes. Also, head injuries and trauma can trigger the disorder, especially if they affect the ear. Furthermore, age-related inner ear degeneration and genetic factors in certain conditions like Meniere’s disease can also lead to vestibular disorders.

The diagnosis

Anyone experiencing some of the indicative symptoms of these disorders should check with a physician. This way, a concrete diagnosis can be given and a treatment plan arranged. Clinicians conduct balance and eye movement tests and imaging tests like MRI and CT scans. The latter is done to rule out other causes of balance problems. They also test hearing to assess the inner ear function.

Treatment

There are a few ways to treat these conditions, such as medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Medication generally isn’t a cure, but it helps to manage symptoms like nausea or motion sickness. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy also helps to manage the symptoms. It improves balance and reduces dizziness. In rare cases, like superior canal dehiscence or persistent BPPV, it might be necessary to undergo surgery to alleviate severe symptoms.

Another approach to tackling these conditions is through lifestyle changes and home remedies. For example, it’s best to follow a low-salt diet for Meniere’s disease. Stress can make the conditions worse, so relaxation techniques also help. Additionally, remember to implement safety measures to avoid falls or injuries.

Look for a physical therapist

Early diagnosis and treatment can make living with vestibular disorders much more bearable. If struggling with this condition, seek a physical therapy expert who can offer a helping hand in managing symptoms.

If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, learning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.