Balance and Vertigo Flashcards
Why do we have a vestibular system?
- Stabilize retina in space
2. Posture Control
Purpose of Otolith Organs
Detect tilt and acceleration and deceleration
Purpose of Semi-circular Canals
Detect rotation and control eye movements in place of canal since they are paired
Dysfunction of semi-circular canals cause what
Nystagmus: involuntary eye movement, reducing vision
Presentation of Balance problems
‘dizzy spells,’ vertig, lightheadedness, imbalance (gait problems)
True Spinning
Rotary sensation of the patient and surroundings
Significance of True Spinning
Almost all true spinning is vestibular
All vestibular is not true spinning
Vestibular neuritis/vertigo
Inner ear disorder causing a person to experience nausea and vomiting, spinning sensation and nystgmus. Hearing unaffected
To consider in history of balance problems
Constant or episodic
Exacerbating factors: positional, straining, head movement
Associated symptoms: aural, autonomic, LOC< photophobia, last attack
Duration
Differentials for Imbalance based on duration: Second to Minutes
BPPV
Differentials for Imbalance based on duration: Minutes to hours
Meniere’s, Migraine Associated vertigo
Differentials for Imbalance based on duration: Days
Vestibular Neurnitis, Labyrinthitis
Positive Dix Hallpike Test
Diagnostic test for BPPV shown by a burst of nystagmus, jumping of the eyes
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Vertigo for seconds
Triggered by movements
Posterior canal canalithiasis
Sensation that you’re spinning
Epley Manouvre
Exercise to treat symptoms of BPPV.
- Start by sitting on bed
- Turn head 45degrees to the right
- Quickly lie back
- Turn head 90degrees to the left
- Turn head and body 90 degrees to the left
- Sit up on the left side
