Res Vestib Sci.  2019 Jun;18(2):32-37. 10.21790/rvs.2019.18.2.32.

Vestibular Rehabilitation after Traumatic Head Injury with Dizziness

• Kim SK
• Hong SM

• KMID: 2450265
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2019.18.2.32

Abstract

The vestibular symptoms such as dizziness and imbalance that occurred after traumatic head/brain injury were caused by a combination of central factors such as abnormalities of white matter, diffuse axonal injury and microhemorrhage, and peripheral factors like decreased vestibulo-ocular reflex caused by the energy transmitted to the semicircular canal and otolith organs. These symptoms can affect on the patient's overall physical, cognitive, emotional, and quality of life. There have been reports that vestibular rehabilitation for the treatment of dizziness and imbalance after head trauma can promote vestibular compensation, stabilize of the gaze movements, and also affect the treatment outcomes of the associated injuries. The frequency, duration, and number of people participating in vestibular rehabilitation varied with each study, and physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive counseling, medication treatment, duration of treatment for associated injuries were also variable. Most studies have shown that many patients who get the vestibular rehabilitation have a significantly reduced time to return to work and sports activities, and may be able to speed up the recovery of vestibular symptoms. However, further research is needed on its long-term effects. In addition, patients with traumatic head/brain injuries are more susceptible to injuries of other organs as well as vestibular disorders, therefore consideration of treatment planning for associated injuries including precise evaluation mental support, and cognitive therapy is expected to be more effective with vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

Keyword

Vestibule; Dizziness; Rehabilitation; Injury; Head

MeSH Terms

Cognitive Therapy
Compensation and Redress
Counseling
Craniocerebral Trauma*
Diffuse Axonal Injury
Dizziness*
Head*
Humans
Occupational Therapy
Otolithic Membrane
Quality of Life
Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular
Rehabilitation*
Return to Work
Semicircular Canals
Sports
White Matter