Functional Neurology for Vertigo

Functional neurology is a specialized approach to healthcare that focuses on the function and regulation of the nervous system. This approach has shown promising results in treating a wide range of conditions, including vertigo. Functional neurology for vertigo involves a thorough evaluation of the nervous system and the identification of any underlying dysfunction that may be contributing to symptoms. By targeting these underlying issues, functional neurology for vertigo aims to improve overall nervous system function and reduce symptoms of vertigo. 

In this blog, we will explore the principles of functional neurology for vertigo, as well as some of the techniques and therapies used in this approach. We will also discuss the potential benefits of functional neurology for vertigo and how it may be able to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Functional Neurology for Vertigo

Functional neurology is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on the function and regulation of the nervous system. This approach views the nervous system as a complex and dynamic network that is constantly adapting and responding to internal and external stimuli. Functional neurology aims to identify and address any underlying dysfunctions in the nervous system that may be contributing to a wide range of health issues, including neurological, musculoskeletal, and even metabolic conditions.

Functional Neurology is an effective approach to treating vertigo, a condition characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and disorientation. Vertigo could be caused by a variety of factors, including inner ear dysfunction, head injuries, and neurological disorders.

Functional Neurology for vertigo treatments focus on identifying the underlying causes of the condition and using targeted therapies to address them. Some of the techniques used in functional neurology to treat vertigo include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation: A specialized therapy that can help reduce symptoms of vertigo by addressing the underlying causes of vestibular dysfunction. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation, and when this system is not functioning properly, it can result in symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.

Vestibular rehabilitation aims to improve the function of the vestibular system by using targeted exercises to promote the brain’s ability to adapt to changes in the system. The exercises used in vestibular rehabilitation can help retrain the brain to compensate for imbalances or deficits in the vestibular system, which can help reduce vertigo symptoms.

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can include gaze stabilization exercises, balance exercises, habituation exercises, and more. Gaze stabilization exercises involve training the eyes to remain focused on a stationary object while the head is moving, which can help improve balance and reduce dizziness. Balance exercises are designed to improve overall balance and coordination, which can help reduce the risk of falls and other complications associated with vertigo. Habituation exercises involve repeating movements that trigger vertigo symptoms until the brain habituates or adapts to the stimuli and the symptoms are reduced.

Research has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in reducing symptoms of vertigo, improving balance and coordination, and enhancing overall quality of life. The therapy is tailored to each individual patient’s needs, depending on the underlying causes of their vestibular dysfunction, and can be conducted in a variety of settings, including in-clinic and at-home exercises. Vestibular rehabilitation is typically conducted by a physical therapist or occupational therapist who has specialized training in the assessment and treatment of various vestibular disorders.

• Eye Movement Exercises: A type of therapy used in vestibular rehabilitation to help reduce symptoms of vertigo by improving the coordination between the eyes and the vestibular system. The vestibular system and the visual system work with each other to help maintain balance and spatial orientation, and when these systems are not functioning properly, it can result in symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.

Eye movement exercises are designed to help improve the ability of the eyes to track moving objects while the head is in motion. This can help improve the coordination between the eyes and the vestibular system, which can help reduce vertigo symptoms.

One type of eye movement exercise used in vestibular rehabilitation is called gaze stabilization exercises. Gaze stabilization exercises involve training the eyes to remain focused on a stationary object while the head is moving. This can help improve balance and reduce dizziness by improving the ability of the eyes and vestibular system to work together to maintain spatial orientation.

Another type of eye movement exercise used in vestibular rehabilitation is called smooth pursuit exercises. Smooth pursuit exercises involve tracking a moving object with the eyes while the head is stationary. This can help improve the ability of the eyes to track moving objects, which can improve coordination between the eyes and the vestibular system.

Research has shown that eye movement exercises can be effective in reducing symptoms of vertigo and improving overall balance and coordination. The therapy is tailored to each individual patient’s needs, depending on the underlying causes of their vestibular dysfunction, and can be conducted in a variety of settings, including in-clinic and at-home exercises. Eye movement exercises are typically conducted by a physical therapist or occupational therapist who has specialized training in the assessment and treatment of vestibular disorders.

• Neurofeedback: A type of therapy that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to help individuals learn to regulate their brain function. Neurofeedback has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While there is limited research on the use of neurofeedback specifically for vertigo, some studies have suggested that it may be a promising therapy for certain individuals with vestibular dysfunction.

The inner ear is responsible for detecting changes in head position and movement, and sends signals to the brain to help maintain balance and spatial orientation. When the vestibular system is not functioning properly, it can result in symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems. Neurofeedback can help improve the function of the brain and may be used to help retrain the brain to compensate for imbalances or deficits in the vestibular system

One way that neurofeedback may be used to help with vertigo is by training the brain to increase its ability to regulate arousal levels. Research has suggested that individuals with vestibular dysfunction may have an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which can contribute to symptoms of vertigo. Neurofeedback can be used to train the brain to decrease sympathetic nervous system activity, which may help reduce symptoms of vertigo.

Another way that neurofeedback may be used to help with vertigo is by training the brain to improve the coordination between the eyes and the vestibular system. The vestibular system and the visual system work with each other to help maintain balance and spatial orientation, and when these systems are not functioning properly, it can result in symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems. Neurofeedback can be used to train the brain to improve the coordination between these systems, which may help reduce symptoms of vertigo.

• Chiropractic Adjustments: A type of therapy that involves the manual manipulation of the spine and other joints in the body. While there is limited research on the use of chiropractic adjustments specifically for vertigo, some chiropractors may use this therapy as part of a treatment plan for individuals with vestibular dysfunction.

The inner ear is responsible for detecting changes in head position and movement, and sends signals to the brain to help maintain balance and spatial orientation. When the vestibular system is not functioning properly, it can result in symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve the function of the spine and other joints in the body, which may be able to indirectly improve the function of the vestibular system.

One theory behind the use of chiropractic adjustments for vertigo is that misalignments or subluxations of the cervical spine (neck) can contribute to vestibular dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments can help correct these misalignments or subluxations, which may help improve the function of the vestibular system and reduce symptoms of vertigo.

Another theory behind the use of chiropractic adjustments for vertigo is that misalignments or subluxations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, can contribute to vestibular dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments can help correct these misalignments or subluxations, which may help improve the function of the vestibular system and reduce symptoms of vertigo.

• Dietary Interventions: Can be a helpful addition to the treatment plan for individuals with vertigo, particularly those with a diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss. Ménière’s disease is thought to be caused by an accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, and dietary interventions may help reduce fluid buildup and improve symptoms.

Reducing salt intake can help reduce fluid retention in the body, including the inner ear. Individuals with Ménière’s disease may be advised to limit their daily sodium intake to less than 2,000 milligrams.

Caffeine can cause dehydration, which can worsen vertigo symptoms. Limiting or avoiding caffeine-containing beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate, may be helpful.

Alcohol can also cause dehydration and worsen vertigo symptoms. Individuals with Ménière’s disease may be advised to avoid alcohol altogether.

Maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health and may help reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day is recommended.

Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help support overall health and may also help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to vertigo symptoms.

Functional Neurology is a holistic approach that considers the entire body and mind as a whole system, and treatment is personalized to the individual patient’s needs. With functional neurology treatments, many people with vertigo have seen significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.