Vestibular hypofunction

Katarzyna Pazdro-Zastawny, Karolina Dorobisz *, Paula Misiak, Anna Kruk-Krzemień and Tomasz Zatoński • Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland Introduction: The COVID-19 clinical symptoms are primarily related to the respiratory system but may also be involved in many others, including the nervous system. Recently, vertigo or dizziness has been described as one of the clinical manifestations and possible complications of COVID-19. Materials and methods: This clinical study was designed to describe the otorhinolaryngological evaluation and videonystagmographic (VNG) findings in patients with an antecedent of COVID-19 infection in the last 6 months. In this study, we sought to investigate the presence of persistent vestibular damage in healed COVID-19 patients and to determine the origin of vertigo by conducting a comprehensive vestibular examination. To evaluate the association precisely, an otoneurological assessement was conducted on all participants. The study group included 58 patients aged 23–75 years with vertigo, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection 6 months before the examination. Each participant was submitted to an evaluation consisting of anamnesis, otorhinolaryngological evaluation, and VNG. Results: Spontaneous nystagmus with closed eyes was reported in 8 patients (13.8%). Positional nystagmus was observed in 15 patients (24.1%). Asymmetrical optokinetic nystagmus was observed in 18 patients (31%). ...

Is there more than one kind of vestibular disorder? The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that process the sensory information involved with controlling balance and eye movements. If disease or injury damages these processing areas, vestibular disorders can result. Vestibular disorders can also result from or be worsened by genetic or environmental conditions, or occur for unknown reasons. The most commonly diagnosed vestibular disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, and secondary endolymphatic hydrops. Vestibular disorders also include superior semicircular canal dehiscence, acoustic neuroma, perilymph fistula, ototoxicity, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, migraine-associated vertigo, and Mal de Débarquement. Other problems related to vestibular dysfunction include complications from aging, autoimmune disorders, and allergies. Acoustic Neuroma Acoustic neuroma (also called a vestibular schwannoma) is a serious but nonmalignant tumor that develops on the sheath of inner ear's vestibulo-cochlear nerve, which transmits both balance and sound information to brain. (This nerve is also referred to as the acoustic nerve, hence the name.) As an acoustic neuroma grows, it compresses the vestibulo-cochlear nerve, usually causing hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness or loss of balance. Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease When a virus attacks, the immune system defends the body. When ...

Your vestibular system is a vitally important structure located in your inner ear. It is responsible for balance, equilibrium, spatial awareness, and more. It is connected to the cochlea and depends on fluid, nerves, and ear crystals (otoconia) for function. Vestibular hypofunction is a common dysfunction and means that your vestibular system is functioning ‘less’ than it should be (hypo=less). A unilateral vestibular hypofunction is more common than bilateral, and that’s why you find so much more information on it on Google. Unilateral vestibular hypofunction means that one of your vestibular systems is working suboptimally. Bilateral vestibular hypofunction means both of your vestibular systems are working suboptimally. In rehabilitating a unilateral dysfunction, the opposite side can be used to help you compensate for the other side. However, with bilateral vestibular dysfunction, both sides have some sort of dysfunction, and cannot be used to compensate, adapt, and/or habituate. What Causes Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction? Bilateral vestibular hypofunction can come from many pathologies. Those with vestibular migraine, bilateral Meniere’s disease, history of meningitis, CANVAS, superficial siderosis, and others can cause bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Regardless of the causation, once you have bilateral loss it’s important to understand what it is, how to manage it, and how to take care of the rest of your health. Symptoms of Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction • i...

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders, primarily vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls. A customized exercise plan is developed from the findings of the clinical assessment, laboratory testing and imaging studies, and input from patients. Different factors can impact the potential for recovery including activity level, pain, other medical conditions, medications, and emotional concerns. Evidence has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in improving symptoms related to many vestibular – inner ear – disorders. Symptoms due to vestibular disorders can diminish quality of life and can impact all aspects of life from economic to social participation as well as can contribute to emotional problems, like anxiety and depression. Additionally, one of the consequences of having a vestibular disorder is that the symptoms frequently cause people to adopt a sedentary lifestyle in order to avoid bringing on, or worsening, dizziness and imbalance that occurs with movement. As a result, decreased muscle strength and flexibility, increased joint stiffness, and reduced stamina can occur from this lifestyle. Treatment strategies used in rehabilitation can also be beneficial for these secondary problems. What is vestibular rehabilitation? Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and seconda...