Balance and Vestibular System

The vestibular system is the sensory system that contributes to the sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance. Thus, we do not feel disorientated or have dizziness.

Together with the cochlea, the vestibular system constitutes the labyrinth of the inner ear and is situated in the vestibulum. Τhe vestibular system comprises of two components: the semicircular canal system, which indicate rotational movements; and the otoliths, which indicate linear accelerations.

Vestibular Rehabilitation and Balance.ent

Vestibular Rehabilitation and balance

The vestibular system sends signals primarily to the neural structures that control eye movements, and to the muscles that keep us upright. The projections to the former provide the anatomical basis of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, which is required for clear vision; and the projections to the muscles that control posture in order to keep us upright.

The brain uses information from the vestibular system, the cerebellum and from proprioception throughout the body to understand the body’s dynamics and kinematics from moment to moment.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)

VRT is a specific form of physical therapy designed to habituate symptoms, and promote adaptation to a variety of balance disorders. VRT is effective in improving the functional deficits and subjective symptoms resulting from unilateral and bilateral peripheral vestibular hypofunction as well as from central balance disorders.
 
Vestibular rehabilitation (VR), or vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders.It is an exercise-based program primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls.
References
  • Sulway S, Whitney SL. Advances in Vestibular Rehabilitation. Adv Otorhinolaryngol. 2019;82:164-169. 
  • Tokle G, Mørkved S, Bråthen G, Goplen FK, Salvesen Ø, Arnesen H, Holmeslet B, Nordahl SHG, Wilhelmsen KT. Efficacy of Vestibular Rehabilitation Following Acute Vestibular Neuritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Otol Neurotol. 2020 Jan;41(1):78-85.
  • Pereira CMM, Pinheiro do Vale JS, de Oliveira WP, Pinto DDS, Cal RVR, de Azevedo YJ, Bahmad F Jr. Aquatic physiotherapy: a vestibular rehabilitation option. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Nov-Dec;87(6):649-654.
Contact us
Book an appointment
Get directions