What Is Vestibulopathy?
Vestibulopathy is a term used to describe a problem affecting the vestibular system — the inner-ear and brain pathways that help us maintain balance, stabilise our vision and understand movement.
The vestibular system works alongside vision and information from our muscles and joints to keep us steady. When it is not functioning properly, you may feel dizzy, experience vertigo, feel unsteady when walking or notice that your vision seems to bounce when you move your head.
There are several possible causes. These include vestibular neuritis, damage to the inner ear, certain medications and conditions affecting the brain. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is another common cause of vertigo, although it has a different underlying mechanism.
Importantly, not all dizziness comes from the inner ear. Migraine, persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), medication effects and other medical conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Can vestibular physiotherapy help?
Vestibular physiotherapy involves a detailed assessment to help identify the likely cause of your symptoms and determine whether rehabilitation is appropriate.
Treatment may include specific head and eye exercises, balance training, graded exposure to movement and advice on returning to everyday activities. The programme should be tailored to your diagnosis, symptoms and goals.
If you are experiencing persistent dizziness or vertigo in Belfast or elsewhere in Northern Ireland, an appropriate assessment can help establish the next steps.
At Longevity Physiotherapy, the aim is to help you understand your symptoms and develop a realistic, evidence-informed plan for recovery.
Learn more about vestibular rehabilitation and dizziness assessment at Longevity Physiotherapy
