Vestibular Dysfunction

The role of the vestibular system is to maintain body equilibrium and stabilize eye gaze. When this system has an impairment it can cause the sensation of vertigo or dizziness. Several pathologies can cause vertigo and vestibular dysfunction but the most common are :

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere’s Disease
• Fluid in the middle ear
• Trauma to vestibular system such as concussion

BPPV is a condition present in the inner ear and is the most common cause of vertigo. The inner ear contains canals that are lined with gelatinous matrix and calcium carbonate crystals. The role of the canals is to pick up changes in acceleration of the head/body. Sometimes the crystals can break free and float into the canals and cause sensation of vertigo due to becoming misplaced.Treatment to address this includes positioning maneuvers to return the crystals to their correct position.