Varun Dhawan Was Diagnosed With Vestibular Hypofunction. All You Need To Know About The Disease

Vestibular hypofunction is a condition that impairs one's sense of balance. It takes place when the inner ear portion of one's balancing system malfunctions.

Varun Dhawan has revealed about suffering from vestibular hypofunction

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New Delhi: Actor Varun Dhawan recently revealed that he suffered from a disease called vestibular hypofunction. It is a disorder that interferes with a person's balance. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Dhawan confessed that he “shut down” after being diagnosed with the disease. Vestibular hypofunction is a condition that impairs one's sense of balance. It takes place when the inner ear portion of one’s balancing system malfunctions. Each inner ear has a vestibular system that cooperates with the person's eyes and muscles to maintain balance. 

The vestibule of the ear is a cavity in the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. When the vestibular system malfunctions, the brain receives error messages and the individual may feel dizzy.

What are the causes of vestibular hypofunction?

According to Frontiers, a publisher of peer-reviewed scientific journals, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to the development of vestibular hypofunction. These include neurodegenerative conditions, trauma and toxic infections. In around 50 per cent of recorded cases, the exact aetiology is still a mystery.

What are the consequences of vestibular hypofunction?

Vestibular hypofunction can impact an individual’s life in different ways. Following are some of the consequences:

• Oscillopsia, chronic vertigo-free dizziness, and problems with balance while walking, and difficulty driving are some of the most frequent side effects. For instance, patients might not be able to read signs when moving.
• Potentially more falls and difficulty walking at night or on rough terrain.
• Higher cognitive processes are impacted by vestibular hypofunction, including learning, navigating, and spatial memory.
• People are more adversely impacted by bilateral vestibular hypofunction than by unilateral vestibular hypofunction. The difference between unilateral vestibular hypofunction and bilateral vestibular hypofunction is that in the former, only one side of the body is affected, while in the latter, both sides are affected.

What are the symptoms of vestibular hypofunction?

The symptoms of vestibular hypofunction include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, anxiety, fear, and changes in one’s heart rate.

How can vestibular hypofunction be treated?

There are a number of therapies for vestibular hypofunction. These include the use of antibiotics, antifungal medications, or even surgery. With vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which encourages people to move up and down stairs to work on their balance, walk and exercise, and organise items, patients are also urged to make significant lifestyle adjustments. It is crucial to remember that each case has a different course of therapy. Thus, consulting a doctor before beginning any treatment is absolutely necessary.