Unit I - Vestibular

Question 1

vestibular systems structures

Answer 1

Semicircular Canals- detect angular/rotational movement
Horizontal Anterior Posterior
Otoliths:
Saccule- detects linear vertical Utricle- detects linear horizontal

Question 2

reflexes

Answer 2

Vestibular ocular reflex- stabilizes vision during head turning by coordinating the eyes to turn in to opposite direction to maintain visual fixation on target object.
o Vestibulo-spinal reflex- provides input to enable postural control and stability in a gravity environment

Question 3

nystagmus

Answer 3

Normal result of the vestibular ocular reflex, or part of a pathological process. Normally occurs following sustained rotation in any direction. Characterized by an eye following (slow) phase, and a quick (saccadic) resetting phase. Why is it important? Because it is a quick, easy way to assess gross vestibular processing, and can be utilized as a basis for treatment of visual motor disorders.

Question 4

Vestibular information affects:

Answer 4

tone, motor planning, visual motor, emotion, cognition

Question 5

Vestibular Overresponsivity

Answer 5

child will “respond to sensation faster, with more intensity, or for a longer duration than those with typical sensory responsivity” “Behaviors in SOR range from active, negative, impulsive, or aggressive responses to more passive withdrawal or avoidance of sensation”

Question 6

Vestibular Underresponsivity

Answer 6

child may “disregard, or…not respond to , sensory stimuli” These children may look uninterested, apathetic, or self absorbed, but rather it is their lack of ability to detect sensory information and act on sensory input that causes this behavior.

Question 7

Sensory Discrimination Disorder/ Vestibular Discrimination Disorder

Answer 7

Kids with vestibular discrimination disorder may not be overreacting or underreacting to vestibular input, however their brain is not able to take the vestibular information that they get and build an understanding or and adequate “map”. They need specific movement experiences to build this map of their body in space. Postural Control, Bilateral Motor Coordination, and Praxis are all dependent on vestibular information.

Question 8

signs of Overresponsive to vestibular sensation (Modulation)

Answer 8

Dislikes playground activities
o Moves cautiously
o Likes sedentary tasks
o May cling to a familiar adult
o Avoids elevators, escalators, maybe even stairs
o Afraid of falling when no risk exists
o Gets motion sick frequently
o Afraid of being tipped upside down, sideways, backwards (as in hair
washing)
o Gravitationally insecurity
o Fearful, emotionally insecure

Question 9

signs of Underresponsive to vestibular sensation: (Modulation)

Answer 9

o In constant motion, can’t seem to sit still
o Craves fast, spinning, and/or intense movement experiences
o May be able to spin for hours and never appear to be dizzy
o Always jumping on furniture, trampolines, spinning in a swivel chair, or
Amy Lewis, OTR/L
getting into upside down positions
o A “thrill-seeker”; dangerous at times
o Rocks body, shakes leg, or head while sitting o Impulsive, inattentive
o OR lethargic
o Difficulty initiating novel motor activity
o Low tone

Question 10

signs of Impaired Vestibular Discrimination

Answer 10

o Clumsy/uncoordinated
o May show seeking or avoiding behaviors o Difficulty understanding spacial concepts o Delayed motor milestones
o Decreased hand eye coordination
o Decreased visual motor skills
o Dyspraxia

Question 11

Examples Goals for Treatment of the Vestibular System:

Answer 11

o Increase tolerance for movement in all planes
o Decrease behavioral overreactions to movement o Increase balance for functional tasks
o Increase family knowledge of appropriate sensory diet and symptoms of overload
o Improve spatial awareness
o Increase child’s ability to obtain sensory input appropriately o Improve safety awareness
o Increase visual motor skills
o Increase hand eye coordination