Garrison - 604 846-1834 • Midtown - 604 391-1386
Healthy vs. Dysfunctional Vestibular System
Healthy Vestibular
System
Dysfunctional Vestibular System
These questions and answers do not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional. If you suspect you have a concussion or vestibular disorder it is important to be assessed as soon as possible.
The vestibular system is a complex network of structures within the inner ear that includes the semicircular canals, otolithic organs (utricle and saccule), and vestibular nerves.
In a healthy vestibular system, these structures work together seamlessly to detect head movements, maintain balance, and provide a stable perception of spatial orientation.
This system helps individuals maintain posture, stabilize gaze during head movements, and coordinate reflexes to prevent falls.
Dysfunction of the vestibular system can occur due to various factors such as injury, infection, or degenerative diseases.
In a dysfunctional vestibular system, there may be disruptions in the function of the semicircular canals or otolithic organs, leading to symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and visual disturbances.
Dysfunction can also result in impaired coordination of eye movements (nystagmus) or difficulty maintaining postural stability, affecting daily activities and quality of life.
What is a Vestibular Condition and how does it differ from Concussion?
General vestibular conditions and concussions differ primarily in their underlying causes and symptoms.
Vestibular conditions typically arise from issues within the inner ear or the vestibular system, leading to symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and nausea. These conditions can result from various factors such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, or vestibular migraine.
Concussions, on the other hand, are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent movement of the head and neck. While concussions can share some symptoms with vestibular conditions, such as dizziness and imbalance, they often involve a broader range of symptoms including headache, confusion, sensitivity to light or noise, and cognitive impairments.
While both general vestibular conditions and concussions can affect balance and cause dizziness, the key difference lies in their underlying mechanisms: vestibular conditions primarily involve the inner ear or vestibular system, whereas concussions result from trauma to the brain.
Symptoms of Concussion vs Vestibular Disorder
Concussions and Vestibular Disorders share some signs and symptoms. Below is a general overview. This table does not replace consulting a professional and seeking medical assistance in diagnosing and treating. Reach out today for support.
Symptom/Condition
Concussion
Vestibular Disorder
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Balance problems
What to expect from a Vestibular Assessment?
Each Vestibular Assessment is tailored to each clients unique needs, symptoms and goals.
1
Understanding Your Story:
We'll talk about your symptoms and health history to get a clear picture of what's going on.
4
Special
Tests:
If needed, we will do some tests that measure how well your inner ear is working.
2
Checking Your Symptoms:
We'll ask questions and do some basic tests to see how dizziness or balance issues are affecting you.
5
Seeing the Big Picture:
We'll see how your symptoms affect your daily life and how severe they are.
3
Physical Check-Up:
We'll talk about your symptoms and health history to get a clear picture of what's going on.
6
Keeping
Track:
We'll use some simple scales and questions to measure how you're doing and keep track of any changes.
What to expect from a Vestibular Treatment?
When you work with Intuitive Rehabilitation, we will move through a standardized process that ultimately results in a individualized treatment and ongoing wellbeing.
1. Learning Together:
We'll explain what's happening with your balance and how we can help you manage it better.
5. Facing Your Fears:
We'll gradually expose you to things that make you dizzy to help your body get used to them and feel less dizzy over time.
2. Fixing the Rocks:
If you have a specific type of dizziness caused by loose "rocks" (tiny crystals) in your ear, we'll do some moves to put them back in place.
6. Working Out Your Balance:
We'll give you exercises to help your body learn to rely on other senses to keep your balance steady.
3. Getting Steadier:
We'll give you exercises to make your balance stronger, both when you're standing still and when you're moving around.
7. Taking It Step by Step:
We'll start with easier exercises and slowly make them harder as you get better.
4. Keeping Your Eyes Steady:
We'll teach you exercises to help your eyes stay focused when your head moves, which can reduce dizziness.
8. Keeping Tabs on Progress:
We'll check in with you regularly to see how you're doing and make sure you're getting
better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Things to note:
During the assessment and treatment of vestibular issues, it's common for certain movements or exercises to temporarily trigger symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.
This is a normal part of the process as we work to understand and address your specific vestibular challenges.
It's important to communicate any discomfort or changes in symptoms to your therapist, as this information helps tailor your treatment plan for optimal progress and symptom management.
As you get familiar with what does and doesn’t trigger your symptoms, we recommend that you have someone available to bring you to and from the clinic if possible.
Safe & Confidential Experience
1
YOUR STORY MATTERS.
We spend time with you to review your past medical history
2
YOUR WHOLE BODY MATTERS
Our Therapists examine the way your body functions in a variety of ways
3
YOU ARE IN CONTROL
We believe in clear communication about your comfort and discomfort
4
SAFETY, PRIVACY & DESCRETION
We strive to foster an environment where you feel safe
5
INFORMED & CONSENTUAL
We make sure, you are fully aware of the benefits and risks involved
Concussion and Vestibular Specialists at Intuitive Rehabilitation
DC
Concussion & Vestibular Rehab
Dr. Brad (CCMI)
Chiropractor
PT
Concussion & Vestibular Rehab
Harman
Registered Physiotherapist
PT
Vestibular Rehab
Raj
Registered Physiotherapist
Get in touch!
Have a question, feedback or idea? We love to hear from our clients and community. It helps us know what we're doing well and where we have opportunities for growth.
Multi-Disciplinary Support
When you work with Intuitive Rehab you are working with a team that approaches your wellbeing from a holistic lens. Choose from a list of supporting healing modalities.
RMT
Registered Massage Therapy
OT
Occupational
Therapy
RD
Registered Dietitian
Occupational Therapy
Helps you focus on function and enables you to do what you need to and love to do through the implementation of a wide range of approaches to treatment that support you to experience progress within the limitations you may be experiencing.
Chiropractor
Able to provide comprehensive assessment and diagnosis on which to build a personalized and graded rehabilitation program to improve control over limitations and gain physical capacity.
Kinesiology
Asseses movement and function to apply an individual treatment plan that supports improved recovery outcomes and physical capacity.
Registered Dietitian
Able to provide guidance on healthy nutrition and strategies that support you on your wellness or recovery journey.
Registered Massage Therapy
Applies a variety of treatment techniques focused on improving tissue health, relaxing tense areas and helping to restore and maintain optimum movement and function.
RCC
Helps you cope with thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may accompany you along your recovery journey.
DC
Chiropractor
KIN
Kinesiology
Physiotherapy
Helps restore movement and function affected by injury, illness, or disability through personalized treatment plans that use exercise, manual therapy, and education to promote recovery and improve overall physical well-being.
RCC
Registered Clinical Counselling
PT
Physiotherapy
Area of Service
Our Community-based services are offered within the Greater Vancouver, Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley & Fraser Canyon. Travel to remote locations within BC is also an option.
