The vestibular system is a sensory system that relays information to our brain regarding the orientation and position of our head in space, how fast we are moving & what direction we are moving in, as well as information regarding movement of our eyes. It is a crucial part of balance, postural stability, equilibrium, and clear vision.
When there is a deficit in the vestibular system, symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and balance impairments may arise. By means of a thorough vestibular examination, we administer a number of tests to determine if the vestibular system may be indeed at fault. The use of specialized infrared goggles called Frenzel Goggles are used to further determine if the issues stem from a peripheral or a central vestibular cause.
Peripheral Disorders could include conditions such as:
- Acoustic Neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Labyrinthine Infarction
- Meniere’s Disease
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
Central Disorders could include conditions such as:
- Motion Sensitivity
- Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS)
- Post-Stroke and Central Disorders
- Vestibular Migraine
- Visual Vertigo
Once we know the extent and type of vestibular disruption, vestibular rehabilitation aims to assist symptoms. With a well-built rehabilitation plan of care, we are able to help retrain your brain into interpreting the information it receives in a structured, accurate manner – as it should.
That said, this process is not always a quick one and does require patient specific exercises at home. Repetition of these exercises produces a reduction of symptoms over time.
