Age Related Vestibular Concerns
Pediatric Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular disorders may also affect children. These disorders may have an even greater impact on children due to the developmental state.
As children are often unable to explain or express their symptoms, parents should be aware of certain signs and symptoms of vestibular disorders in their children. While symptoms will vary depending on the portion of the vestibular system affected, some possible symptoms to be aware of include:
Treatment and diagnosis options are similar to those discussed for adults. Frequently, children are more responsive to treatments, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), than adults due to plasticity.
As children are often unable to explain or express their symptoms, parents should be aware of certain signs and symptoms of vestibular disorders in their children. While symptoms will vary depending on the portion of the vestibular system affected, some possible symptoms to be aware of include:
- Nystagmus
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Dizziness or visual acuity problems
- Developmental and reflex delays
- Nausea
- Abnormal movement patterns or poor posture
Treatment and diagnosis options are similar to those discussed for adults. Frequently, children are more responsive to treatments, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), than adults due to plasticity.
Vestibular Disorders and the Elderly
Falls, a major health concern for persons over the age of 60, are often preceded by balance problems. 20-40% of adults over 65 who live at home will fall each year. Complications can be fatal as 12-67% of elderly adults with a hip fracture, one common fall injury, will die within a year. While a host of factors are important in determining balance, including muscle strength, vestibular system deterioration and visual system disorders, dizziness and imbalance are a key issue. Person suffering from these dizziness and imbalance are two to three times more likely to fall.
Normal degradation of the vestibular system due to age impairs it's function, leading to more possibly fatal falls among the elderly.
Normal degradation of the vestibular system due to age impairs it's function, leading to more possibly fatal falls among the elderly.
Vestibular Disorders Association. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://vestibular.org/>.