Terry Douglas Physiotherapy

The ability to maintain our balance depends on the processing of correct information from the 3 different systems in an integrated way.

(i) The muscles and nerves pick up information from the body and from the surface we are on and sends this information to the brain. This is called the ‘Somatosensory System’ or “The Body Sense” System
(ii) Our eyes send information to our brains about the external environment. For example, is our environment moving in relation to us or are we moving in relation to what we are looking at? This is our ‘Visual System’.
(iii) Our ‘Vestibular System’ is our internal spirit level. It gives us information about being upright and whether we are moving in any direction. It sends this information via nerves to our brain to integrate this with the information received from the eyes and from the body.

The successful working and interaction of these 3 systems keeps our head level and ensure we are in balance. If there’s anything “wrong” in one system, the brain will receive conflicting information. Unable to make sense of what really is happening, the brain will send out “alert” signals. These present in many different ways, for example vertigo, dizziness, nausea etc.

Vestibular assessment aims to clarify which system is sending incorrect information and what has caused this to go wrong. The assessment is often done in conjunction with Ear, Nose and Throat specialists and Audiologists to achieve an accurate diagnosis to an often complicated presentation.

Physiotherapists usually guide the vestibular programme. This aims at enhancing any system which is not working properly and reducing any symptoms. It is essential that you seek the assistance of a physiotherapist – with experience in this area.