Education on Vestibular Therapy
How does RHS cause dizziness?
The vestibular system is a complex network located in the inner ear and brain that helps maintain balance and spatial orientation. When the varicella-zoster virus attacks the facial nerve, it can also impact nearby structures involved in balance.
Here are some ways RHS can lead to vestibular issues
Inner Ear Involvement: The virus can directly impact the inner ear structures, leading to dizziness, vertigo, or a sensation of spinning.
Inflammation: The body's immune response to the viral infection can cause inflammation around the vestibular nerve, disrupting normal signals to the brain that help maintain balance.
Neurological Effects: Damage to the facial nerve may affect the brain's ability to process balance-related information, resulting in coordination difficulties.
Secondary Effects: Pain and discomfort from RHS can lead to reduced mobility or fear of movement, further exacerbating balance issues.
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The external, middle, and inner ear consist of upper loops known as the semicircular canals that make up the vestibular system The lower spiral is the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing. Each is connected to the vestibular and cochlear nerves, respectively.
VESTIBULAR SYSTEM
Depiction of the semicircular canals is responsible for the sensation of balance and the Cochlea, which processes hearing. The lower images: Illustration of sensory hairs in the semicircular canals, which move according to head position
What are the different kinds of dizziness?
Whatever the cause, dizziness is a typical symptom. However, the term dizziness is broad and typically nonspecific. It is important to understand the different kinds of dizziness as the causes and treatments can be different for each kind. The following are some usual symptoms of dizziness:
Vertigo: an often overused term, this is the sensation of the world moving around you and typically also involves visual involvement (i.e. room spinning).
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Disequilibrium: whereas vertigo is the world moving around you, this is the feeling of you rolling within the world. Most people describe this as feeling like you are on a rocking boat in rough waters.-Lightheadedness: there are many ways that people describe this including a feeling of “floating” or “disconnected.”
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Imbalance: this is a feeling of being unable to find your center, losingly people feel like they are constantly being pushed or pulled in a specific direction, always losing balance backwards or always drifting/veering to one side.
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-Other symptoms can potentially include: Nausea, Vomiting, Blurred or Doubled Vision
What is Vestibular Therapy?
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Vestibular therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation designed to alleviate symptoms related to vestibular (inner ear) disorders. It aims to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and enhance the overall function of the vestibular system. Vestibular therapy works within an individual’s symptom tolerance to:
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Improve Balance: Exercises are tailored to help retrain the brain to work with the vestibular system effectively.
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Reduce Dizziness: Strategies are employed to manage and lessen the frequency, intensity, and duration of your dizziness.
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Enhance Function: Normalize walking, turning, and other essential activities of daily living.
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Key Components of Vestibular Therapy
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1. Vestibular Exercises
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Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Focus on keeping your eyes fixated on an object while moving your head side to side or up and down.
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Balance Training: Engaging in activities such as standing on one leg, tandem walking, or balancing on uneven surfaces to improve stability.
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Habituation Exercises: Gradual exposure to specific movements that provoke dizziness to help your brain and body adjust and decrease your symptoms.​​​​​
2. Education and Self-Management
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Understanding your condition can empower you to manage symptoms effectively.
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Tips for environmental modifications to improve safety (e.g., using handrails, and avoiding uneven surfaces).
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Grounding techniques are strategies to help reduce symptoms and can help compensate for when they are bothersome​
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3. Physical Activity Guidelines
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Light physical activity tailored to your capacity can help maintain overall health and support the rehabilitation process.
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Walking and stretching can be key components while progressing to more complex activities as balance improves.
4. Lifestyle Tips for Managing Symptoms
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Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated as dehydration can worsen dizziness.
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Sleep Habits: Ensure a regular sleep schedule, as fatigue can increase sensitivity to vestibular disorders.
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Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress.
Conclusion
Vestibular therapy can play a critical role in recovery for individuals with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Being proactive and engaging with your healthcare team can help you manage symptoms effectively, regain balance, and improve your quality of life. Advocate for your health and seek support to navigate this journey.