Vestibular Physio

What is vestibular system?

The control of your balance is regulated by a part in your inner ear known as the vestibular system. An injury in the vestibular system can result in dizziness, balance issues and/or vertigo.

What are possible findings that vestibular physiotherapy can identify?

• Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) – slow-growing tumour of the eighth cranial nerve which can be improved by surgery

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV )- set off by calcium crystals floating in the ear that cause bouts of vertigo on changing positions

• Central Vestibular Disorders – balance and dizziness following central lesions after events such as stroke or traumatic brain injury

• Labyrinthitis/Vestibular Neuritis- inflammation of the inner ear

• Mal de Debarquement Syndrome – produces disorientation in the aftermath of traveling in a boat, airplane, train or car

• Meniere’s Disease – over-accumulation of fluid in the inner ear that triggers attacks of vertigo, ringing in the ear and fluctuant hearing loss

• Perilymphatic Fistula – caused by strong pressure in inner ear, or a blow to the head, which results in a hole between middle and inner ear

• Peripheral Hypofunction – loss of balance and dizziness often associated with aging 
and alcoholism/drug induced ototoxicity

• Vestibular Migraine – dizziness associated with the auras of a migraine headache