Vestibular Disorders Host: Jimmy McKay, PT, DPT Featured Guest; Alicia Flach, PT, DPT, NCS Notes by Alexis Lancaster Vestibular Disorders What is it? Disruption that can occur from vestibular apparatus (inner ear) through the cranial nerve to the CNS where the information is processed Any disruption along this path will cause a vestibular disorder Anatomy Peripheral vestibular system BPPV: problems within the vestibular apparatus, specifically semicircular canal Creates sensation of moving, pt feels dizzy Problem with cranial nerve 8 (before synapse in brain stem) Problem here= peripheral problem Central vestibular system After cranial nerve 8 synapses in brainstem Travels different pathways to locations within the brain Problem here= central problem Differential diagnosis Dizziness can be due to different things Vertigo: room spinning, could be peripheral or central vestibular problem Feeling of imbalance or disequilibrium, pt doesnt feel steady on their feet. Could be peripheral or central vestibular problem Unrelated to vestibular system Polypharmacy Orthostatic hypotension (pt complains of feeling light-headed, passing out, fainting) Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Migraines Get to the root of how the patient describes their dizziness Special Tests Subjective interview: try to understand when it happens, how long it has been going on, how long it lasts when it happens, does it come and go or is it constant, is it related to positional changes? Rule out/in peripheral condition, BPPV: Dix Hallpike, head thrust test, dynamic visual acuity test Look for central signs throughout exam Hypermetria with saccades Abnormal changes in the ability to perform Vestibulo-occular reflex cancellation: being able to follow a moving object with your eyes and head moving in the same direction Rule in the vestibular system overall, rule in/out peripheral vs. central Treatment Common encounter: BPPV Managed through canalith repositioning maneuvers (otoconia getting stuck in canal): Epley and BBQ Roll Dysfunction of peripheral nerve/hypofunction Gaze stabilization Tx Movement sensitivity/central component Habituation Exercise Graded exposure Sample Question A physical therapist evaluates a patient who reports dizziness when getting out of bed. The physical therapist suspects the pt is experiencing symptoms related to BPPV. Which of the following would be the most appropriate assessment to confirm the presence of BPPV Head thrust test Dynamic visual acuity testing Dix Hallpike maneuver Clock drawing test Answer: C. Dix Hallpike: it is an assessment in which an individual is moved into a position and is intended to elicit a response from the presence of otoconia in the semicircular canal. Position the patient and look for the presence of nystagmus to rule in BPPV. Why the others are wrong: A: Head thrust test looks at the ability of a patient to perform VOR (vestibulo-ocular reflex)--> specifically looks for hypofunction B: Dynamic visual acuity testing tests for peripheral hypofunction. Perform eye chart and look at visual acuity in static position and then pt will move head side to side to see visual acuity dynamically.

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