Basic exercise to manage Vestibular Dysfunction
Vestibular dysfunction is disturbance in the body balance system because of alteration in vestibular system of the inner ear, CNS or both. The symptoms typically consist of vertigo, nausea, intolerance to head movement, postural instability and altered gait pattern. The symptoms of peripheral and central vestibular dysfunction may overlap and a proper physical examination will often help to differentiate between two. To improve balance, eye movement independently of the head, enhance coordinated body movement and reduce dizziness related problems, there are some exercises which can be performed at home.
Exercise to be performed while sitting:-
- Eye movement:- Look from side to side, up and down, move eyes in circular pattern, convergence exercise (focus on object moving from 3 feet to 1 feet away from face)- Start slow and gradually increase the speed. Repeat this for 10 times twice a day.
- Head movement:- Bending alternately forward and backward, turn head towards left and right side:- Perform with open eyes followed by closed eyes.
- Shoulder movement:- Shrugging and backward shoulder movement.
- Targeted exercise in moving chair:- Sit on moving chair and take an object in hand and slowly move the chair in circular pattern. Repeat it for 5-6 times.
- Ball throwing:- throw a ball to another place under the knee level, progress to eye level- Then progress to perform exercise while moving
- Walking a room:- Walk inside a room eyes open and closed. The head should be neutral. Avoid excessive neck flexion.
Do’s before doing the exercise:-
- Do insure that you are in safe environment, to reduce the risk of fall.
- Do not panic if you experience dizziness during exercise. This is normal.
- Do consult physiotherapist or specialist, if you felt discomfort or other symptoms (ringing sensation in ear, sudden hear change, ear fluid discharge)
Dr Jyoti Soni (PT)
Assistant Professor
MACOP, Agroha
