Reviewed by Tyler Tice, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC
Background:
- Unilateral vestibular hypofunction( UVH) : partial or complete loss of function in one of the peripheral vestibular organa, and/or nerves
- Acute UVH: most commonly due to vestibular neuritis, but also may be due to trauma, surgical transection, ototoxic meds, or Meniere’s disease.
- Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH): idiopathic in 20-51% of cases
- Common presentation/symptoms:
- dizziness, imbalance, and/or oscillopsia, gaze and gait instability, and impaired navigation and spatial orientation
- Spatial navigation impairments
- Memory, executive function, attention
- Prevalence increases with age
- Higher fall risk
- Typically, bilateral
Population:
vestibular hypofunction
Strong evidence:
Vestibular PT to mitigate symptoms and improve postural stability, gaze, and function
Limitations:
peripheral hypofunction (does not apply to individuals with central disorders)
References:
Hall CD, Herdman SJ, Whitney SL, et al. Vestibular Rehabilitation for Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction: An Updated Clinical Practice Guideline From the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2022;46(2):118-177. doi:10.1097/NPT.0000000000000382