Description
Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) is a condition where both sides of the vestibular system, responsible for balance, are impaired. This condition can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, difficulty focusing, and overall instability. These symptoms can be especially debilitating, affecting a person's ability to perform daily tasks, participate in physical activities, and maintain their quality of life. Vestibular physiotherapy Edmonton At Next Step Physiotherapy , vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an effective treatment option for individuals suffering from BVH.
What is Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (BVH)?
The vestibular system consists of two small structures in the inner ear—one on each side of the head—that help the body detect changes in movement and position. These structures send signals to the brain to help maintain balance, coordinate eye movements, and stabilize vision during movement. In cases of BVH, both sides of the vestibular system experience dysfunction, meaning the brain isn’t receiving accurate information about the body’s position. This causes balance disturbances, often difficulty walking, dizziness, and frequent falls.
BVH is usually caused by conditions such as head trauma, viral infections, ototoxic medications, or other underlying health issues. It is different from unilateral vestibular hypofunction, where only one side of the system is affected. BVH often results in more pronounced symptoms and requires targeted therapy to help retrain the brain to adapt and compensate for the lost function.
How Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Helps with BVH
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to help individuals with vestibular disorders, including BVH, improve their balance and reduce dizziness. VRT involves a series of exercises aimed at improving the brain’s ability to adapt to changes in balance and motion, particularly when both sides of the vestibular system are affected. The goal of VRT for BVH is to retrain the brain to process sensory information from other sources, such as vision and proprioception (the sense of body position), to compensate for the loss of vestibular function.
At Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton, our experienced physiotherapists work with patients to develop a personalized vestibular rehabilitation program that addresses their unique symptoms and challenges. VRT for BVH typically involves a combination of the following components:
Gaze Stabilization Exercises
One of the most common symptoms of BVH is difficulty stabilizing vision during head movements, known as “gaze instability.” People with BVH may experience blurred or double vision when turning their heads, which can make activities like reading, driving, or walking difficult. Gaze stabilization exercises aim to help retrain the eyes to stay focused on a target while the head is in motion. These exercises help strengthen the connections between the eyes and the vestibular system, improving the brain’s ability to keep vision stable during movement.
Education and Lifestyle Modifications
Part of the treatment for BVH includes education on how to manage the condition in daily life. Physiotherapists at Next Step Physiotherapy educate patients about strategies to improve safety, reduce fall risk, and avoid triggering symptoms in certain environments. This may include tips on proper posture, techniques for managing dizziness, and suggestions for modifying daily activities to make them safer.
Conclusion
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a highly effective treatment for individuals with bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Through a combination of gaze stabilization, balance training, habituation, and postural exercises, VRT helps patients regain their balance, reduce dizziness, and improve their overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with the symptoms of BVH, the expert physiotherapists at Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton can guide you through a personalized rehabilitation program designed to help you recover and thrive.
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