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What Is Vestibular Dysfunction?

Vestibular dysfunction is a disease that can cause balance related problems such as dizziness. It can range in severity from lasting just a few seconds to being a chronic disease that causes total incapacitation. Vestibular dysfunction means that there is a problem with the inner ear and the sensory processing that accompanies it. Because this is is such a broad definition, there are many different causes and consequences of vestibular dysfunction.

  1. The Vestibular System

    • The balancing mechanism requires coordination between the eyes, the inner ear, and the joints and muscles. Each of these organs sends vital information about position to the brain which allows the brain to balance the body. The inner ear is the most sensitive of these organs, and any problems with it, called vestibular dysfunction, can render it impossible for the subject to balance.

    Statistics

    • In 2004, 35.4 percent of U.S. citizens were diagnosed with vestibular dysfunction. Four percent of adults in America report having a chronic problem with balance, and 1.1 percent of adults report having a chronic problem with dizziness.

    Rotation Test

    • One way to test for vestibular dysfunction is called the rotation test. The subject is asked to move their head in specific directions. For each head movement, there should be an eye movement in the opposite direction. If there is not, then the inner ear and eye are not coordinating properly, and the subject has vestibular dysfunction.

    Symptoms

    • Vestibular dysfunction can cause a broad range of symptoms. These can range in severity from a mild impairment that others do not notice to so severe that the victim of the disease is unable to function. Symptoms of vestibular disorder can include dizziness and vertigo, balance problems, nausea, headaches and motion sickness. Other effects of vestibular dysfunction that are unrelated to coordination of movement are difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, anxiety/panic attacks, hearing problems, and vision problems. A person suffering from vestibular dysfunction may suffer from any number and combination of these symptoms depending on the type and severity of their illness.

    Causes and Treatments

    • Any injury or degenerative disease that causes damage to the inner ear can cause vestibular dysfunction. Injuries such as impacts to the head may damage the sacs that are in the inner ear and render the victim unable to balance. Vestibular dysfunction may also be caused by old age. It is impossible to repair these injuries, so to heal vestibular dysfunction, vestibular rehabilitation is required. This consists of exercises that train balance, allowing the victim of vestibular dysfunction to develop the skills required to balance and maintain posture solely from visual input and input from the muscles and joints.

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