Some people often get vertigo in a sitting or lying position, and others feel nauseous when travelling in a vehicle. If these sensations are for no apparent reason, it is most likely a vestibular problem.

Vestibular apparatus - what it is

The vestibular apparatus is part of the vestibular system and is located in the inner ear. The other part of the system is in the brain, and the vestibular nerve connects the two parts.

The main functions of the vestibular apparatus is to maintain orientation in space and clear vision during movement. With disturbed symmetry in the vestibular system - pathological excitation or damage, dizziness, lightheadedness, wandering may occur.

Causes of vestibular disorders

The irritants of the vestibular apparatus may be of different nature. The causative agents may be related to various disease conditions or those due to other factors.

Of the painful causes, the most common are:

diseases of the inner ear;
Meniere's disease;
atherosclerosis, chronic ischemia;
cardiovascular changes - arrhythmias, heart failure;
degeneration of the spine - hernia, arthrosis;
neurological diseases;
drugs;
head trauma, etc.

Provocative vestibular disorders can also be lifestyle-related factors, such as:

anxiety and severe stress;
changes in barometric pressure;
nutrition, compliance with diets;
stimulants - nicotine, coffee, etc.;
hormonal changes;
insufficient sleep, etc.

Symptoms of vestibular disorders

The incidence of disorders of the vestibular system generally increases with advancing age. However, it is not excluded that children also get episodic vertigo - for example, vestibular migraine. From unstable balance and vertigo suffer more women.

Symptoms of vestibular imbalance, in addition to vertigo, can also be:

bouts of vomiting;
blurred vision;
abnormal heart rhythm;
jumps in blood pressure;
unsteady gait;
migraine attack;
sweating;
shaking hands;
Fading;
impaired speech;
impaired hearing, etc.

Treatment of vestibular apparatus

In the case of vertigo and complaints of dizziness, it is most likely a problem in the vestibular apparatus, but during the visit to the neurologist, he will assess this and the accompanying symptoms. For more persistent complaints, an otoneurological examination is done.

As a treatment for vestibular disorders is most often undertaken:

medication treatment;
vestibular rehabilitation;
neuromodulation with galvanic current;
surgical treatment (rarely, in Meniere's disease).

Physiotherapy for the treatment of vestibular

For vestibular disorders of almost any kind, vestibular rehabilitation is applicable. Paroxysmal positional vertigo, for example, is treated with physical modalities alone, as is bilateral vestibulopathy.

Vestibular rehabilitation involves a complex of exercises to stimulate and improve the work of the vestibular system. The aim is to reduce dizziness, improve stability and restore normal movement. The therapist teaches the patient how to do exercisesfor the eyes, head, and body to improve coordination and balance.

Specific exercises are selected by a doctor depending on the vestibular disorder and its stage of development. Performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist, they allow the patient to achieve excellent compensation.

Of great importance for the prevention of seizures is an accurate diagnosis, after which, according to the disorder, prophylactic therapy is applied.