Neurological Balance and Medical Disorders

Guide

Vestibular Disorders: Symptoms, Causes & Therapy Support for All Ages

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board – Doctor of Therapy Rehab Division

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

14 min read

Vestibular Disorders in Children and Adults: Symptoms, Causes & Therapy Solutions

What Are Vestibular Disorders?

Vestibular disorders are conditions that affect the inner ear and brain areas that control balance and spatial orientation. These disorders can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, and visual disturbances, significantly impacting daily functioning at any age.

While vestibular issues are often associated with older adults, children and teens can also experience them—especially following concussions, ear infections, or developmental delays.

How the Vestibular System Works

The vestibular system includes:

  • Inner ear structures: semicircular canals, utricle, and saccule
  • Cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve)
  • Brainstem and cerebellum for sensory integration and coordination

This system sends information to the brain about head position, motion, and balance. When disrupted, it can lead to confusion between sensory inputs (vision, proprioception, and vestibular input).

Common Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular conditions vary by age, cause, and severity. Some of the most common include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

  • Sudden dizziness or spinning when changing head positions
  • Most common in adults, but also seen post-concussion in children

Vestibular Neuritis & Labyrinthitis

  • Caused by viral infection
  • Leads to severe vertigo, nausea, and imbalance

Meniere’s Disease

  • Episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus
  • Typically seen in adults but may affect adolescents

Vestibular Migraine

  • Migraine-related dizziness and visual auras
  • Common in teens and adults with a migraine history

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

  • Chronic dizziness worsened by complex environments (e.g., malls, screens)

Pediatric Vestibular Disorders

  • Often missed or misdiagnosed
  • Associated with delayed motor milestones, balance concerns, and anxiety

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms may be episodic or constant, and vary by condition and age group.

In Adults

  • Vertigo or dizziness
  • Imbalance or unsteadiness
  • Nausea, motion sensitivity
  • Blurred or bouncing vision (oscillopsia)
  • Anxiety or disorientation in busy environments

In Children

  • Frequent falls or clumsiness
  • Fear of movement (e.g., swinging, climbing)
  • Delayed gross motor milestones
  • Car sickness or screen sensitivity
  • Difficulty focusing visually or tracking objects

Vestibular dysfunction in children may present as developmental delays rather than classic vertigo.

What Causes Vestibular Disorders?

  • Causes may include:
    • Inner ear infections
    • Concussions or traumatic brain injury
    • Autoimmune inner ear disease
    • Aging-related degeneration
    • Genetic disorders
    • Migraines
    • Prolonged inactivity
    • Unknown/idiopathic causes

Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders

Diagnosis may involve:

  • Clinical vestibular assessment by a trained PT or ENT
  • Videonystagmography (VNG)
  • Rotary chair tests
  • Posturography
  • Audiological testing
  • Pediatric evaluations often include motor skills and developmental screening

Early identification is key, especially in children, where symptoms may be subtle.

Therapy for Vestibular Disorders

Rehabilitation is highly effective for managing vestibular disorders. Therapy aims to improve balance, reduce symptoms, and restore confidence in movement.

Physical Therapy (Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy – VRT)

  • Customized balance and movement exercises
  • Gaze stabilization (VOR training)
  • Canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley, Semont for BPPV)
  • Fall prevention programs

Occupational Therapy (OT)

  • Sensory integration for visual/vestibular processing issues
  • Support for daily activity tolerance and visual fatigue
  • Vestibular input modulation in pediatric cases

Multidisciplinary Support

  • Coordination with audiologists, neurologists, and developmental pediatricians
  • School-based accommodations for children with vestibular dysfunction

How DrSensory Helps You Get Support

Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s clumsiness or an adult struggling with dizziness and imbalance, DrSensory helps connect you to trusted, licensed therapists:

  • Search by therapy type: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
  • View clinician specialties, experience with vestibular care
  • Filter by age group, in-person vs. virtual, and location
  • Read verified therapist profiles and contact them directly

📍 [Find Vestibular Therapists Near Me →]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can children have vestibular disorders?

Yes. Though less frequently diagnosed, children can develop vestibular disorders due to concussions, ear infections, developmental differences, or genetic conditions. Pediatric therapists trained in vestibular rehab can help.

Do vestibular disorders go away on their own?

Some conditions like BPPV can resolve spontaneously, but many require vestibular rehabilitation for full recovery and to prevent chronic symptoms or recurrence.

What’s the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness is a general feeling of lightheadedness or imbalance. Vertigo is a specific sensation that you or the room is spinning, often linked directly to vestibular dysfunction.

How long does vestibular therapy take?

Recovery depends on the condition. BPPV may resolve in 1–3 sessions, while conditions like vestibular neuritis or PPPD may take weeks to months of structured therapy.

Can a physical therapist diagnose vestibular disorders?

Yes. Many vestibular-trained PTs can perform diagnostic maneuvers and assessments to identify the cause of dizziness and create personalized treatment plans.

Is vestibular therapy covered by insurance?

Often, yes. Vestibular rehab is typically covered under physical therapy benefits in most insurance plans. Check with your provider or the therapist for confirmation.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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