Vestibular Physiotherapy is a specialised branch of Physiotherapy that assess, diagnoses, treats and manages disorders of the vestibular system. The vestibular system consists of 5 sensory organs – 3 semicircular canals and two otolith organs housed inside the skull.
The sensory organs respond to movement of the head to create information that is sent to the brain for interpretation of a person’s movement direction and movement speed. The brain will convert this information into muscle activation to coordinate our sense of balance, eye and head movements. The vestibular system enables us to keep moving, walk, run, prevent a fall and maintain clear vision. Pathology in one or both ears or in the part of the brain responsible for interpreting this information can result in a number of symptoms.
Such symptoms include:
Vertigo
Dizziness
Light Headedness
Cognitive Fog (difficulty thinking)
Blurred Vision
Disequilibrium (feeling of being off balance)
Headache and sore eyes
Neck stiffness and neck pain