Understanding Vestibular Dysfunction: A Guide for Clients

Authored by Hayley Owens – Senior Proactive Health Exercise Physiologist

Have you ever felt dizzy, off-balance, or like the room was spinning? These sensations might be related to your vestibular system, an important part of your body that helps maintain balance and spatial orientation. This blog will explore what vestibular dysfunction is and how it can be managed.

What is the Vestibular System?

Your balance system has three main components:

1. Visual system (your eyes)
2. Proprioceptive system (body awareness)
3. Vestibular system (inner ear)

The vestibular system, located in your inner ear, helps you sense movement and maintain balance. When it’s not working properly, you might experience dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems.

Common Symptoms of Vestibular Dysfunction

If you’re experiencing vestibular issues, you might feel:

• Dizzy or lightheaded
• Like the room is spinning (vertigo)
• Unsteady or off-balance
• A floating or rocking sensation
• Difficulty focusing your vision, especially when moving your head

Types of Vestibular Disorders

There are several types of vestibular disorders, some of which include:

1. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo): Typically brief episodes of vertigo caused by incorrect movement of displaced crystals (otoconia) in response to specific head positions.
2. Vestibular Neuritis: Sudden symptoms such as vertigo, nausea and imbalance as a result of inflammation in the inner ear.
3. Meniere’s Disease: Recurring and typically worsening episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and ear fullness.
4. Vestibular Migraine: Dizziness and balance problems which can be associated with  headaches and present persistently or in a recurring nature without hearing loss.

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing persistent dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment depending on your presentation.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for vestibular dysfunction often includes:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation: Specialised exercises to help your brain compensate for vestibular issues.
2. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and stress management, can help.

How Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists Can Help

If you’re experiencing vestibular issues, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists can play a crucial role in your recovery and management. Here’s how these professionals can assist you:

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists specialising in vestibular rehabilitation can:

1. Conduct Thorough Assessments: Physiotherapists use specialised tests to evaluate your balance, eye movements, and how your vestibular system is functioning.
2. Develop Personalised Treatment Plans: Based on your specific symptoms and needs, they create tailored exercise programs to improve your balance and reduce dizziness.
3. Perform Repositioning Manoeuvres: For conditions like BPPV, physiotherapists can perform specific head movements to help resolve symptoms.
4. Teach Vestibular Exercises: They’ll guide you through exercises designed to retrain your brain to process balance information more effectively.
5. Provide Education: You’ll learn about your condition and receive strategies to manage symptoms in daily life.
6. Monitor Progress: Your physiotherapist will track your improvement and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Exercise Physiologists

Exercise physiologists can complement vestibular rehabilitation by:

1. Designing Safe Exercise Programs: They create exercise routines that challenge your balance system without overwhelming it, helping to improve your overall stability and confidence.
2. Improving General Fitness: Better cardiovascular fitness and strength can support your vestibular rehabilitation process.
3. Incorporating Balance Training: They’ll include exercises that specifically target balance improvement, which is crucial for managing vestibular dysfunction.
4. Adapting Exercises: As your symptoms improve, they’ll modify your exercises to continue challenging your balance system appropriately.
5. Promoting Long-term Management: Exercise physiologists can help you maintain your progress and prevent future issues through ongoing exercise prescription.

Working with Your Healthcare Team

For the best results, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare team. This may include:

• Your GP.
• An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist or neurologist
• A vestibular physiotherapist
• An exercise physiologist

Each of these professionals brings unique expertise to help manage your vestibular dysfunction effectively. They can work together to ensure you receive comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.

If you’re struggling with dizziness or balance issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a vestibular physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. They can provide the specialised care and guidance you need to navigate your vestibular health journey.

Vestibular Exercises You Can Try

One simple exercise you can try at home is called “gaze stabilisation”:

1. Hold your thumb at arm’s length in front of you.
2. Focus on your thumb.
3. Slowly turn your head from side to side while keeping your eyes focused on your thumb.
4. Start with 5 repetitions on each side, 3-5 times a day.
5. Gradually increase repetitions as tolerated.

Remember, it’s normal to feel slightly dizzy when doing these exercises. If you experience severe dizziness or discomfort, stop the exercise and consult your healthcare provider.

Living with Vestibular Dysfunction

While vestibular problems can be challenging, many people find significant improvement with proper diagnosis and treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With the right support and management strategies, you can improve your symptoms and quality of life.

Speak to a Physio or EP at Proactive Health

Proactive Health’s physiotherapists and exercise physiologists work across more than 350 locations nationally, as part of multidisciplinary teams that include exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, podiatry, hydrotherapy and social work. That means your exercise program is coordinated with the rest of your care rather than running alongside it.

We accept NDIS, DVA, Home Care and Support at Home, Medicare care plans, private health insurance and workers’ compensation referrals, and you can self-refer for privately funded appointments.

Call 1300 890 507, find your nearest clinic, or book an appointment online.