The vestibular apparatus in the body - functions, coordination problems and training at home. Vestibular apparatus: functions, problems and diagnosis

Vestibular apparatus, speaking in simple words, not only keeps us on our two legs, but is also responsible for how we see. Thanks to it, the image is fixed on the retina - and this makes it possible to visualize an object even while walking or running. In addition, this organ is an internal compass: it provides orientation in any space.

Disruption of the functioning of this organ can significantly affect the quality of life. The consequences of such dysfunctions can be different, depending on the underlying cause.

What is the vestibular apparatus, where is it located and how does it work normally?

The main purpose of the section of the vestibular system under consideration– keeping the body in an upright position, maintaining balance while moving, the ability to focus the gaze and keep the head in a stable position, the ability to navigate in space.

The vestibular apparatus collects and analyzes information about the position of the torso, head, upper and lower limbs and sends the necessary information to the brain. This ensures a prompt response to any, even the slightest, external irritants. This allows the blind person to remain on his feet and also navigate in unknown terrain.

The vestibular apparatus is endowed small in size , and is localized in the inner ear. Its main components are 3 channels, which have a semicircular shape, and 2 pouches. The channels are filled with a viscous liquid, which, when the head or body rotates, begins to move, transmitting corresponding impulses to the central nervous system. The sacs contain otolith lenses, which, through mechanoreceptors, transmit information to the brain about horizontal/vertical movement.

The center of the vestibular system is located in medulla oblongata . It is there that information about all changes in relation to equilibrium is received. After receiving such signals, the brain immediately sends instructions to the relevant organs: move the arm/leg to the left, tilt the body, etc.

Disturbances in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus affects a person’s ability to coordinate movements, hold vertical position and also focus your gaze. This can harm the health and even life of not only the patient, but also those around him.

For example, if such a disorder suddenly develops in a driver vehicle, - an accident will certainly occur, during which other people may suffer.

One more a shining example is a surgeon whose functioning of the balance apparatus was impaired at the time of the procedure surgical intervention, - this can cost the patient’s life.

Video: Organ of balance, vestibular apparatus, inner ear

Causes of dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus in adults and children

There are many factors that can cause disruptions in the functioning of the organ responsible for balance:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the exact etiology of which is currently unknown. There is an assumption that this pathological condition can arise from injuries, in postoperative period, as well as against the background of respiratory infections. It is often diagnosed after crossing the 60-year mark. The main manifestation of this disease is dizziness with a sudden change in body position, nausea.
Blocking the lumen of the labyrinthine artery. This phenomenon negatively affects the blood supply to the brain and can cause oxygen starvation, or cerebral hemorrhages. Besides standard symptoms associated with disruption of the balance apparatus, patients experience a marked deterioration in hearing abilities. Lack of timely and adequate medical events may cause the death of the patient.
Signs of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. This syndrome may be a consequence of dysfunction of the vestibular nerve, and may also develop against the background of a cerebellar stroke, or vascular ischemia inner ear. When adjacent sections of the trunk are involved in the degenerative process, patients complain of double vision, frequent falls, slurred speech, numbness in the arms and legs. Distinctive feature symptoms of the subject pathological condition is short-term. If negative phenomena have been present for several months, the doctor needs to reconsider the diagnosis.
Vestibular neuronitis. The most common cause of vestibular system and/or vestibular nerve dysfunction. The trigger for the development of the disease in question can be infection of the body with influenza virus, herpes, etc. The patient experiences such severe dizziness that he is forced to support his head. The same condition provokes vomiting several times a day. Symptomatic picture complemented by spontaneous horizontal rotary nystagmus. The considered symptom complex manifests itself in active form the first 3-4 days, after which the patient’s condition improves, but full recovery it takes several weeks.
Bilateral vestibulopathy of a chronic nature. Some doctors put forward a theory about the hereditary nature of the pathological condition in question. However, the main cause of the development of this disease is poisoning by certain medicines which have an ototoxic effect. Timely discontinuation of such drugs can resuscitate the vestibular system.
Meniere's syndrome. This pathology is paroxysmal in nature. Patients complain of loud noises, congestion in the ear, decreased hearing abilities, and severe dizziness. The attack usually lasts a couple of minutes, after which the symptoms regress over several hours/days. At sharp increase pressure in the inner ear may drop while remaining conscious and without showing any signs of neurological disorders. This disease dangerous due to possible complete hearing loss.
(including birth injuries) with a violation of integrity temporal bone and/or trauma to the labyrinth.
Basilar migraine. It has a paroxysmal nature - and, most often, worries girls in puberty. Often such patients complain of motion sickness while in transport.
Tumor-like processes in the area of the cerebellopontine angle. The pathology in question is rare, but can still cause disruptions in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus. Dizziness is often not observed, but problems with coordination of movements exist. In addition, there may be hearing errors.
Craniovertebral defects, which negatively affects the vestibular organ. This pathology can be recognized by the patient’s problems with speech, swallowing, as well as by uncontrolled movement of the eyeballs.
Epileptic seizure, during which short-term dysfunction of the balance apparatus is observed. In parallel with this, vomiting, visual hallucinations, and excessive salivation may be present.
Unstable performance blood pressure .
Multiple sclerosis, at which destructive processes affect incl. vestibulocochlear nerve.
Some ailments hearing aid :
- Blockage of the ear canal with wax.
— Dysfunction eustachian tube, which serves as a link between the pharynx and the inner ear. Such a violation can be caused allergic reactions, injury to a polyp or temporomandibular joint.
— Sclerotic changes bone structure inner ear.
- Otitis, occurring in acute form and accompanied by the accumulation of purulent masses.

Prolonged stay in a room with loud sounds and vibrations can provoke disturbances in the functioning of the vestibular organ.

Signs and symptoms of vestibular damage and dysfunction

The entire symptom complex of the disease in question is divided into two groups:

Main symptoms. Every patient with dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus has complaints of dizziness, and nystagmus is also observed. The head may become so dizzy that the person is unable to move. When the eyelids are closed, everything “jumps” before the eyes, and sudden movements head significantly intensifies this symptom.
Associated symptoms. Not everyone has them, and they have varying degrees expressiveness. These include:
- Vomiting.
- Change in color of the skin of the face, neck and décolleté to pale or red.
— Increased sweating and/or salivation.
- pain inside the ear or in the temple area.
- Inability to navigate in space and maintain balance. It is difficult for the patient to walk along a straight line, he stumbles, collides with objects that are in his way, and tries to find a foothold.
- Difficulty swallowing food and speaking.
- Rapid breathing.
- Hallucinations.

The following points indicate that a child has a weak vestibular apparatus:

Reluctance to ride on carousels, swings and slides.
An urgent need to hold on to the handrail when riding an escalator. The child reluctantly agrees to ride the elevator.
Difficulty riding a bicycle or jumping.
Inability to maintain balance while standing on one leg.
Fear of falling, even from a small hill. Easy loss of balance, especially on hilly surfaces.

Every person makes a lot of body movements every day: walking, squatting, turning. Often all movements are given without the slightest effort and turn out smooth. However, sometimes an extra step or bending of the body causes serious discomfort: dizziness, disorientation and nausea sets in. Perhaps the reason lies in a disease or disorder of the vestibular apparatus.

What is the vestibular apparatus

The balance organs have a complex structural system and are responsible for several functions simultaneously. However, the main one among many others is the vestibular analyzer - a peripheral part of the system responsible for correct orientation in space. If there are any violations of the coordination system, a person loses the ability to maintain balance, navigate in space, perceive visual and audio information, and begins to feel dizzy.

Where is the organ of balance located?

If you open an anatomy textbook, you can see many photos of the structure of the balance system. However, most of these images do not provide a clear idea of where the vestibular apparatus is located in humans. If you imagine the structure cranium from the inside, you can find that this organ is located in the inner ear. Around the balance apparatus are the semicircular canals, jelly-like endolymph and receptors vestibular analyzer.

How does the vestibular apparatus work?

The components of the system are three semicircular tubules - the utriculus and the otolith organ - the sacculus. The channels are filled from the inside with a viscous liquid and have the shape of a shell, at the base of which there is a seal - jelly-like cupules. The sacculus is divided into two sacs: round and oval. Above them are small crystals of calcium carbonate - otoliths.

Under the sealing valve there are ciliated cells of the inner ear, with the help of which two types of signals are transmitted: static and dynamic. The first are associated with the position of the body, the second with the acceleration of movement. In general, the coordination organ is formed in such a way that at the slightest tilt and turn of the head or walking, all the component parts interact at once.

How does the balance organ work?

Although the vestibular system is located inside the bone box, this does not prevent it from collecting information not only about the position of the head, but also the arms, legs and other organs human body. The connection with the balance apparatus is especially secure at the nerve endings, gastrointestinal tract, of cardio-vascular system. That is why, after being nervous and drinking too much coffee, many people feel dizzy.

Under the influence of attraction, the jelly-like liquid and the crystals in it will shift, affecting the balance receptors. The villi will immediately transmit information to the brain about changes in balance, and from there instructions will come to other organs: change muscle tone, move your leg or arm to the right, stand up straighter. At the same time, it is very interesting that the vestibular system is configured only for horizontal movement of the body, therefore, when going up in an elevator or flying on an airplane, many experience severe nausea, ringing in the ears, dizziness.

Functions

In close proximity to optic nerves And ears the balance system has nothing to do with hearing or vision. Main function vestibular apparatus - analyze changes in the position of the arms, legs, torso or head and transmit data to the brain. The organ quickly reacts to minimal external influence, detecting even the slightest changes in the gravitational field of the planet, helping to maintain balance in complete blindness or navigate in unfamiliar space.

Vestibular disorders

Due to the fact that all components of the balance apparatus act together, while it manages to collect information from other organs of the body, the slightest deviations in one direction or another can lead to disruptions in its functioning. Vestibular disorders cause serious problems in spatial orientation not only in humans, but also in animals and birds.

Previously, such deviations from the norm affect the gait: it becomes uncertain, shaky, a person can fall for no reason or crash into an upright piece of furniture. In addition, many patients complain of constant dizziness, pain in temporal region, blurred vision, tinnitus, increased frequency heart rate.

Reasons for violation

Why the vestibular apparatus is disrupted is difficult to answer unequivocally even for an experienced otolaryngologist. For example, a simple head injury or short-term loss of consciousness can lead to this pathology. If an adult complains of dizziness, then it is likely that the cause lies in heart problems. When a system failure occurs after an infection: otitis media, ARVI with complications, inflammation, they speak of intoxication.

Symptoms

Doctors say that the main manifestations of the pathology are severe dizziness, loss of coordination and eye twitching. However, the patient is often persecuted by others associated symptoms vestibular apparatus disorders:

attacks of nausea, sometimes vomiting;
changes in color skin, mucous membranes of the mouth, membranes of the eyes;
profuse sweating;
increased blood pressure;
tachycardia;
rapid breathing;
a decrease in body temperature below normal levels;
change in heart rate.

All signs may appear in fits and starts. During periods of calm, the patient feels completely healthy, and previous symptoms vestibular disorders chalks it up to fatigue. Often such signs of malaise occur when changing body position, tilting or turning the head, changes in temperature or air humidity, when sudden unpleasant odors.

Diseases of the vestibular apparatus

Doctors count more than 80 different diseases that in one way or another may be associated with a violation of the balance apparatus. An example is diseases endocrine system, traumatic brain injuries, cardiovascular pathologies, serious mental disorders. At the same time, for all diseases of the vestibular system, doctors will have an explanation, a description of the symptoms and ways to check them.

Meniere's disease

This disease of the balance apparatus can be described using only four signs: dizziness, noise or congestion in the ears and hearing loss. The first three symptoms peak within a couple of minutes, gradually subsiding over several hours. Reduced sound perception by early stage reversible. In some patients, Meniere's syndrome may be accompanied by a brief loss of consciousness or balance.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

This deviation can occur at any age, but most often affects the elderly. It is caused by infections, traumatic brain injuries, or ischemic disease hearts, sometimes the source cannot be determined. In patients with this diagnosis, a feeling of dizziness, loss of balance and other symptoms appear with every turn, tilt of the torso or head.

Basilar migraine

The syndrome is short-lived and usually affects patients under 20 years of age. Basilar or teenage migraine is especially common in girls entering their formative years. menstrual cycle. Headaches, dizziness and nausea in a teenager appear suddenly and in rare cases the development lasts more than one hour.

Vestibular neuritis

The disease is possible at any age. Its appearance is often accompanied by acute respiratory infection Therefore, doctors attribute the disease to a viral nature. Neuritis of the vestibular apparatus is accompanied by severe rotational dizziness, vomiting and nausea, and twitching of the eyelid. With the right treatment, the deviation goes away in 3-4 days, but full recovery will take up to several weeks.

What to do if the vestibular system is damaged

When the balance organs fail and signal this in every possible way, a person should first undergo an examination and visit an ENT doctor’s office. Mandatory diagnostics include:

special hardware tests for audiometry and electronystagmography;
CT or MRI of the brain;
blood analysis;
ultrasound examination of blood flow;
vestibular tests.

Training

If the dizziness is minor and only bothers you when traveling on a boat, going up in an elevator, or making sudden turns of the body, your balance apparatus needs to be trained. Exercises for the vestibular apparatus can be mastered by anyone if desired:

Sit on a chair or armchair. Pull forward forefinger and fix your gaze on it. Start turning your head different sides, gradually increasing the pace.
Next exercise: take two cards in your hands, straighten your elbows. It is necessary to alternately focus your gaze on one of the cards, while your head must remain motionless.
Stand up, spread your legs, and focus your gaze straight ahead. Start making circular movements with your body. First with a small amplitude, then with a large circle diameter.
All exercises for training the vestibular system should be performed daily with several approaches.

Treatment

If imbalances progress and other symptoms are added to the momentary dizziness, gymnastics will not help. Urgently needed drug treatment vestibular vertigo. The choice of drug and method of therapy will depend on the reasons that caused this:

If damage to the balance apparatus is caused by peripheral polyneuropathy, then diabetes must be treated.
For paroxysmal vertigo, the ENT specialist chooses a special technique: he turns the patient in a certain sequence, the crystals change location, after which an improvement in well-being occurs.
Treatment of dizziness with Meniere's syndrome cannot be done without effective antihistamines and antiemetic drugs. In addition, the patient definitely needs nutritional correction and special diet.
Migraines in children can be treated with aspirin, ergotamine, beta blockers and antidepressants.
If violations occur in retirement age, the doctor may suggest implanting implants that will restore the lost balance.

Folk remedies for dizziness

Along with drug therapy and preventive gymnastics, it is possible to treat the vestibular apparatus folk remedies. For example, make ginger tincture:

Take 4 tsp. grated ginger root, mix with a pinch of dried mint, fennel seeds, pumpkin seeds, chamomile flowers and orange zest.
Pour the herbal mixture hot water, let steep for 15 minutes and drink if you experience dizziness, loss of balance, or other signs of systemic disturbances.

In case of persistent dysfunction of the balance apparatus, a balm made from three tinctures helps strengthen a weak body at home:

For half a liter of alcohol, take 4 tablespoons of clover inflorescences. Wrap the container with foil and leave for 2 weeks.
For the same amount of alcohol, take 5 tbsp. l. Dioscorea root. Insist as in the previous recipe.
Fill the propolis with alcohol and put it in a dark place. After 10 days, strain the tincture.
Mix all three components and take 1 tbsp three times after meals. l.

Video: what the vestibular apparatus is responsible for

Disorders of the vestibular system cause symptoms that affect a person’s ability to work, and therefore their treatment is an urgent matter. Can provoke attacks of dizziness various diseases. The most common pathologies should be considered in more detail, as well as find out what diagnostic and treatment methods are used today.

Symptoms of disorders and their types

Violation of the vestibular apparatus is characterized by the appearance of dizziness and deterioration of orientation in space. Depending on the diagnosis, other symptoms may be added, mainly associated with the body’s autonomic reactions.

Problems that arise with the vestibular apparatus determine symptoms such as:

attacks of dizziness;
problems with orientation in space;
feeling of falling;
nausea and vomiting;
nystagmus;
loss of balance;
increased sweating;
pale skin;
pain in the ear area, temporal bone, can radiate to other parts of the body;
spots before the eyes;
noise in ears;
tachycardia;
respiratory rhythm disturbances;
hallucinations;
increased saliva production;
swallowing dysfunction;
facial nerve paresis;
stuffy ears.

Some of the symptoms can be eliminated even with folk remedies. Others cannot be treated and accompany a person throughout his life.

IN medical practice Many pathologies are known, but the most common are the following diseases associated with the vestibular organ:

. Exists Great chance transmission of this disease by inheritance. Endolymph accumulates in the inner ear and hearing loss occurs.
. This disturbance of the vestibular apparatus is associated with the formation of accumulations of otoliths in the body, which move through the endolymph and provoke asymmetry of positioning when turning the head and torso.
Otosclerosis. As this disease develops, hearing decreases and sclerotic bone forms in the labyrinth.
Blockage of the labyrinthine artery. Not only are the functions of the balance organ disrupted, but the blood supply to the brain is also blocked, which is life-threatening.
Basilar migraine. An adolescent illness associated with headaches and dizziness.
Vestibular neuritis. Dysfunction of the vestibular process associated with infectious inflammation.
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency syndrome. A problem for older people related to the cardiovascular system.
Chronic bilateral vestibulopathy. Poisoning with ototoxic substances and drugs.
Epilepsy. Chronic neurological pathology, which is accompanied by paroxysmal symptoms, including involuntary muscle contractions and convulsions.
Craniovertebral pathology. Compression of nerve roots, defects in the connections of the skull and spine.

All these pathologies are directly or indirectly related to the organ of balance, which, when exacerbated, is characterized by the occurrence of dizziness and other accompanying symptoms.

Causes

The causes of vestibular apparatus disorders can be congenital or acquired. provoke similar problems The following factors may:

Injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, hearing damage, pressure exposure, loud sounds, vibration. All this causes disruption of the balance organ.
Infections. Systemic diseases spread infection through the bloodstream, provoke side complications. Pathologies of nearby organs also play a role.
Intoxication. Ototoxic drugs, chemicals, heavy metals, poisons provoke damage to nerve endings. The same effect can be achieved by uncontrolled use of folk remedies.
Chronic pathologies of the body. For example, diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, problems thyroid gland, metabolism, etc.
. It is especially worth highlighting labyrinthitis, which often occurs inflammatory lesion vestibular nerve and the organ as a whole.
Sulfur plug. May provoke attacks of dizziness.
Tumor. Oncology or neuroma puts pressure on the organ and leads to destructive processes.
Age. Over the years, the body loses the ability to efficiently perform some of its functions. Wear and tear of human organs may be associated with past diseases or characteristics of his work and lifestyle.
Heredity. Some diseases are transmitted from parents to children.
Congenital anomalies. These are underdevelopment of the inner ear, neurological abnormalities, pregnancy pathologies, and birth injuries.

In some people, a weak vestibular system is associated with hormonal development or the natural sensitivity of the organ. This problem can be eliminated with training or it will go away on its own.

Diagnostic methods

You can determine disorders of the vestibular apparatus yourself when a person begins to experience characteristic symptoms And sudden attacks dizziness. On initial stages these signs are almost invisible, but diagnosis is still possible thanks to special methods.

The examination of the vestibular system should include testing of hearing, reflexes, neurological tests and tissue x-rays. The following methods are used:

audiometry;
Ultrasound Dopplerography (Doppler ultrasound);
CT/MRI;
radiography;
Electronystagmography.

They allow you to identify foci of damage and identify those diseases that provoked negative processes.

Special studies of the function of the vestibular apparatus include a set of tests showing the degree of sensitivity of the organ and the correctness of its operation:

Rotational test. A special chair is used, like a regular office chair. The patient is in a chair with his head bowed. The doctor spins it up to 10 revolutions for 20 seconds. After an abrupt stop, the doctor observes a period of dizziness and nystagmus, the duration of which indicates the presence of abnormalities. Using folk remedies in the form of spinning on a chair, you can achieve a similar effect.
Thermal research. The doctor serves in ear canal alternately cold and warm water. Depending on the temperature, the direction of nystagmus changes and the sensitivity of the organ is expressed.
Index test. No auxiliary materials are needed for work. The patient closes his eyes and points towards an object located in front of him. If he missed, then there is a problem.
Romberg's test. You need to connect your legs and stand strictly vertically. Deviation from the axis indicates damage to one or another ear.

Balance disorder can be checked at home by testing your vestibular system by walking in a straight line, touching the tip of your nose, etc. Such methods are used by police officers when checking the stage of intoxication.

If damage to the labyrinth or signs of a disease affecting coordination have been detected, treatment must be started immediately.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment of the vestibular system is based on its training and elimination of the main symptom – dizziness. Specific activities, namely appointment medicines and radical interventions in, is determined by the attending physician after a thorough diagnosis and clarification of the cause of the disease. Physiotherapy methods are also used to general health improvement body.

At home, most disorders can be partially managed with folk remedies. In particular, it is quite possible to get rid of dizziness using folk remedies. To eliminate this problem, use hawthorn tincture, oregano, and mint. Mint also relieves symptoms such as nausea, headache And emotional stress. To get rid of dizziness, you can massage your head.

Alternative medicine is actively used for disorders of the vestibular system. In addition to treatment with folk remedies, some diseases are eliminated through reflexology, balneology, etc.

Vestibular disorders can not only be treated, but also prevented. To do this, organ training methods are used. You need to regularly do exercises that involve bending the head and body, turning, and rotating. They are performed not only with with open eyes, but also with closed ones.

Restoring the balance function in case of organ disorders is possible with the help of carousels, yoga classes, coordination exercises, various types sports It is necessary to gradually increase the load on the vestibular apparatus in order to abrupt change body position did not lead to the development of new attacks of the disease. It is better to coordinate the training schedule and types of exercises used with. Active image life will not only help eliminate the manifestations of the disease, but also generally have a positive effect on the body and prevent other problems.

The vestibular apparatus is a receptor apparatus located in the semicircular ducts and elliptical (utriculus) and spherical (sacculus) sacs of the inner ear. Each membranous semicircular duct emerges from the elliptical sac and, having described 2/3 of the circle, flows into it again. At the confluence there is an expansion - a membranous ampulla. Both pouches are connected through a thin channel. The vestibular apparatus is connected to the cochlea.

Functions

The function of the vestibular apparatus is to maintain the balance of the body and its orientation in space. However, this device alone is not enough to provide these functions. Accurate orientation in space is achieved by the coordinated work of the organs of vision and hearing, as well as information coming from proprioceptors and tactile receptors. All these signals are processed in the midbrain and cerebellum.

How does it work?

The otolithic apparatus (part of the vestibular apparatus) consists of two sacs filled with endolymph, the bottom of which is covered nerve cells equipped with hairs. The endolymph contains small crystals of calcium carbonate - otoliths. They put pressure on the hairs, as a result the cells are constantly excited and impulses from them travel along the vestibular nerve to the brain. Thanks to this, a person feels the force of attraction. When the head or body moves, the otoliths shift and their pressure on the hairs changes. The vestibular nerve sends information to the brain about changes in body position. Thanks to the otolith apparatus, a person perceives the beginning and end of a uniform rectilinear motion, its acceleration or deceleration, and most importantly, a change in the force of gravity.

The elliptical sac is connected through membranous ampoules to semicircular ducts located in three mutually perpendicular planes. Inside these membranous ampoules are ampullary ridges. A jelly-like structure is located above the ampullary ridge. The semicircular ducts are filled with endolymph. With any movement of the head or body of a person, the semicircular ducts also move simultaneously. The ampullar ridges tilt in the opposite direction and transmit information about these signals to the brain. This part of the vestibular apparatus registers rotational movements of the body and

What is the vestibular apparatus

Where is the organ of balance located?

If you open an anatomy textbook, you can see many photos of the structure of the balance system. However, most of these images do not provide a clear idea of where the vestibular apparatus is located in humans. If you imagine the structure of the skull from the inside, you will find that this organ is located in the inner ear. Around the balance apparatus are the semicircular canals, jelly-like endolymph and receptors of the vestibular analyzer.

How does the vestibular apparatus work?

The components of the system are three semicircular tubules - the utriculus and the otolithic organ - the sacculus. The channels are filled from the inside with a viscous liquid and have the shape of a shell, at the base of which there is a seal - jelly-like cupules. The sacculus is divided into two sacs: round and oval. Above them are small crystals of calcium carbonate - otoliths.

How does the balance organ work?

Although the vestibular system is located inside the bone box, this does not prevent it from collecting information not only about the position of the head, but also the arms, legs and other organs of the human body. The connection with the balance apparatus is especially secure at the nerve endings, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system. That is why, after being nervous and drinking too much coffee, many people feel dizzy.

Under the influence of attraction, the jelly-like liquid and the crystals in it will shift, affecting the balance receptors. The villi will immediately transmit information to the brain about changes in balance, and from there instructions will come to other organs: change muscle tone, move your leg or arm to the right, stand up straighter. It is very interesting that the vestibular system is configured only for horizontal movement of the body, so when going up in an elevator or flying on an airplane, many experience severe nausea, ringing in the ears, and dizziness.

Functions

In close proximity to the optic nerves and auricles, the balance system has nothing to do with either hearing or vision. The main function of the vestibular apparatus is to analyze changes in the position of the arms, legs, torso or head and transmit data to the brain. The organ quickly reacts to minimal external influence, detecting even the slightest changes in the gravitational field of the planet, helping to maintain balance in complete blindness or navigate in unfamiliar space.

Vestibular disorders

Previously, such deviations from the norm affect the gait: it becomes uncertain, shaky, a person can fall for no reason or crash into an upright piece of furniture. In addition, many patients complain of constant dizziness, pain in the temporal region, blurred vision, tinnitus, and increased heart rate.

Reasons for violation

Symptoms

Doctors say that the main manifestations of the pathology are severe dizziness, loss of coordination and eye twitching. However, the patient is often haunted by other accompanying symptoms of vestibular system disorders:

attacks of nausea, sometimes vomiting;
changes in the color of the skin, mucous membranes of the mouth, and membranes of the eyes;
profuse sweating;
increased blood pressure;
tachycardia;
rapid breathing;
a decrease in body temperature below normal levels;
change in heart rate.

All signs may appear in fits and starts. During periods of calm, the patient feels completely healthy, and attributes previous symptoms of vestibular disorders to fatigue. Often such signs of malaise occur when changing body position, tilting or turning the head, changes in temperature or air humidity, or when strong unpleasant odors appear.

Diseases of the vestibular apparatus

Doctors count more than 80 different diseases that in one way or another may be associated with a violation of the balance apparatus. Examples include diseases of the endocrine system, traumatic brain injuries, cardiovascular pathologies, and serious mental disorders. At the same time, for all diseases of the vestibular system, doctors will have an explanation, a description of the symptoms and ways to check them.

Meniere's disease

This disease of the balance apparatus can be described using only four signs: dizziness, noise or congestion in the ears and hearing loss. The first three symptoms peak within a couple of minutes, gradually subsiding over several hours. The decrease in sound perception at an early stage is reversible. In some patients, Meniere's syndrome may be accompanied by a brief loss of consciousness or balance.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

This deviation can occur at any age, but most often affects the elderly. It is caused by infections, traumatic brain injuries or coronary heart disease, sometimes the source cannot be determined. In patients with this diagnosis, a feeling of dizziness, loss of balance and other symptoms appear with every turn, tilt of the torso or head.

Basilar migraine

The syndrome is short-lived and usually affects patients under 20 years of age. Basilar or teenage migraine is especially common in girls entering the period of formation of the menstrual cycle. Headaches, dizziness and nausea in a teenager appear suddenly and in rare cases the development lasts more than one hour.

Vestibular neuritis

The disease is possible at any age. Often its appearance is accompanied by an acute respiratory infection, so doctors attribute the disease to a viral nature. Neuritis of the vestibular apparatus is accompanied by severe rotational dizziness, vomiting and nausea, and twitching of the eyelid. With the right treatment, the deviation goes away in 3-4 days, but full recovery will take up to several weeks.

What to do if the vestibular system is damaged

When the balance organs fail and signal this in every possible way, a person should first undergo an examination and visit an ENT doctor’s office. Mandatory diagnostics include:

special hardware tests for audiometry and electronystagmography;
CT or MRI of the brain;
blood analysis;
ultrasound examination of blood flow;
vestibular tests.

Training

Sit on a chair or armchair. Extend your index finger forward and fix your gaze on it. Start turning your head in different directions, gradually increasing the pace.
Next exercise: take two cards in your hands, straighten your elbows. It is necessary to alternately focus your gaze on one of the cards, while your head must remain motionless.
Stand up, spread your legs, and focus your gaze straight ahead. Start making circular movements with your body. First with a small amplitude, then with a large circle diameter.
All exercises for training the vestibular system should be performed daily with several approaches.

Treatment

If imbalances progress and other symptoms are added to the momentary dizziness, gymnastics will not help. Urgent medical treatment of vestibular vertigo is necessary. The choice of drug and method of therapy will depend on the reasons that caused this:

If damage to the balance apparatus is caused by peripheral polyneuropathy, then diabetes must be treated.
For paroxysmal vertigo, the ENT specialist chooses a special technique: he turns the patient in a certain sequence, the crystals change location, after which an improvement in well-being occurs.
Treatment of dizziness with Meniere's syndrome cannot be done without effective antihistamines and antiemetic drugs. In addition, the patient necessarily needs nutritional correction and a special diet.
Migraines in children can be treated with aspirin, ergotamine, beta blockers and antidepressants.
If disorders appear at retirement age, the doctor may suggest implanting implants that will restore the lost balance.

Folk remedies for dizziness

Along with drug therapy and preventive gymnastics, it is possible to treat the vestibular apparatus with folk remedies. For example, make ginger tincture:

Take 4 tsp. grated ginger root, mix with a pinch of dried mint, fennel seeds, pumpkin seeds, chamomile flowers and orange zest.
Pour hot water over the herbal mixture, let it brew for 15 minutes and drink if you feel dizzy, lose balance, or other signs of systemic disorders.

In case of persistent dysfunction of the balance apparatus, a balm made from three tinctures helps strengthen a weak body at home:

For half a liter of alcohol, take 4 tablespoons of clover inflorescences. Wrap the container with foil and leave for 2 weeks.
For the same amount of alcohol, take 5 tbsp. l. Dioscorea root. Insist as in the previous recipe.
Fill the propolis with alcohol and put it in a dark place. After 10 days, strain the tincture.
Mix all three components and take 1 tbsp three times after meals. l.