Concussions are a common type of mild traumatic brain injury that can occur due to a blow to the head, neck, or body. These injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and problems with balance. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for post-concussion symptoms. One type of physical therapy that can be particularly helpful is vestibular therapy. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what happens in the inner ear during a concussion, and how vestibular therapy can help.
What Is Vestibular Dysfunction?
The vestibular system is a complex network of structures in the inner ear that helps us maintain our balance and sense our position in space. The system is made up of two main parts: the peripheral and central vestibular systems. The peripheral system consists of the semicircular canals and otolith organs, which detect movement and changes in head position. The central system processes this information and helps to control our eye movements and muscle coordination.
When the vestibular system is damaged, it can cause a range of symptoms known as vestibular dysfunction. This can include dizziness, imbalance, eye strain or blurred vision, disorientation, nausea or vomiting, and vertigo (a sudden spinning sensation).
Symptoms of Vestibular Dysfunction Post-Concussion
Concussions can cause damage to the vestibular system, leading to vestibular dysfunction. This can result in a range of symptoms, including:
- Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, as if the world is spinning around you.
- Imbalance: Difficulty maintaining your balance, especially when walking or standing.
- Eye strain or blurred vision: Difficulty focusing your eyes or blurry vision.
- Disorientation: A feeling of confusion or disorientation, as if you're not sure where you are or what's going on around you.
- Nausea or vomiting: A feeling of nausea or actual vomiting, which can be triggered by movement or changes in position.
- Vertigo: A sudden spinning sensation, which can be very disorienting and uncomfortable.
Inner Ear Concussion Treatment
Treatment for vestibular dysfunction post-concussion can include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Vestibular therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses specifically on the vestibular system. The goal of vestibular therapy is to help the brain adapt to changes in the vestibular system and promote neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections.
Vestibular Therapy Exercises for Concussions
Vestibular therapy can include a variety of exercises and activities designed to improve balance, coordination, and other aspects of the vestibular system. Some common vestibular physical therapy exercises for concussions include:
- Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises help to improve eye movements and reduce symptoms like dizziness and nausea. They involve focusing on a stationary object while moving your head in different directions.
- Balance exercises: These exercises help to improve your ability to maintain your balance, even on unstable surfaces like a balance board or foam pad.
- Motion sensitivity exercises: These exercises help to reduce symptoms like dizziness and nausea by gradually exposing you to movements that trigger these symptoms.
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers: These are specific exercises designed to treat certain types of vertigo caused by displaced particles in the inner ear.
Balance and Exertional Training
In addition to vestibular therapy exercises, balance and exertional training can also be effective in treating post-concussion symptoms. Balance training involves working on improving your balance through exercises that challenge your stability, while exertional training involves gradually increasing your level of physical activity. Both types of training can help to improve overall physical function and reduce symptoms like dizziness and fatigue.
Physical Therapy Plainfield and Pain Management Clinic
If you're experiencing symptoms of vestibular dysfunction post-concussion, it's important to seek medical attention from a pain management specialist or a physical therapy clinic that specializes in vestibular therapy. In Plainfield, there are a number of options for physical therapy and pain management clinics that can help.
At a pain management clinic, you'll work with a team of specialists who can provide a range of treatments, including medications, injections, and physical therapy. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for many types of pain and injury, including post-concussion symptoms.
A physical therapy clinic that specializes in vestibular therapy can provide specialized exercises and treatments to help improve your vestibular function and reduce symptoms. By working with a physical therapist, you can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and goals.
Concussions can cause a wide range of symptoms, including vestibular dysfunction. This can result in dizziness, imbalance, eye strain or blurred vision, disorientation, nausea or vomiting, and vertigo. Vestibular therapy is a type of physical therapy that can be effective in treating post-concussion symptoms by promoting neuroplasticity in the vestibular system. By working with a physical therapist, you can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and goals.
If you're experiencing symptoms of vestibular dysfunction post-concussion, it's important to seek medical attention from a pain management specialist or a physical therapy clinic that specializes in vestibular therapy. Seek medical attention and work with our physiotherapist experts at Fyzical- Plainfield to develop an effective treatment plan. For more details, call us 630-444-7353.