Peripheral vestibular hypofunction means the balance centre in your inner ear is not working effectively. It can follow an injury to the vestibular organ. It can also follow an injury to the vestibular nerve innervating the inner ear.
When only one ear is affected, this is called a unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH). When both ears are affected, it is called a bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH).
The typical symptoms are a sense of unsteadiness, wooziness, dizziness and impaired balance.
Unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH)
UVH can be caused by different diseases, a trauma, or after surgery. Most commonly, UVH is seen after vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, or Meniere’s disease.
The symptoms of UVH are due to asymmetrical inputs from your balance centres. These inputs then clash with your visual and proprioceptive signals. The clash sends a ‘mixed message’ to the brain, and ultimately leads to symptoms of unsteadiness and dizziness.
Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH)
BVH can be caused by many different conditions. These include auto-immune disease, Meniere’s disease, side effects of medications, and other medical conditions.
In BVH the vestibular/balance centre is not working effectively. This forces people to become completely reliant on visual and proprioceptive input. People can become very unsteady in dark or unstable environments. They can also report difficulty focusing on objects, and blurriness.
Treatment
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is the main management approach for peripheral vestibular hypofunction. This evidence-based approach is designed to assist the brain and body. The aim is to compensate and cope with the vestibular impairment.
The exercises will involve a variety of ‘eye exercises’ and balance exercises. You do them both within the clinic and at home.
Take this with you
This page is drawn from our Vestibular Hypofunction handout, which you can download and take to your GP or specialist.
Download the Vestibular Hypofunction handout (PDF)