Vestibular Hyperactivity

Brain function controls our perceptions and actions.

The vestibular system is the part of a person’s brain that coordinates information from the receptors of the five senses, which in turn control a person’s balance, limb motion and position, blood pressure, arousal, heart rate and immune responses. Vestibular hyperactivity can be thought of in two different ways: either that the vestibular system is hyperactive or that hyperactivity caused by vestibular dysfunction.

Vestibular Disorder and ADHD

Considering that there is no actual neurobiological explanation for the cause of ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), some health care professionals rule out vestibular function as a cause. But the hyperactivity of the individual who has been diagnosed with this condition may be attributed to the individual’s inability to process sensory information. The vestibular system becomes overloaded and the patient’s brain either tunes out the input, or in an effort to stimulate the vestibule causes constant body movement (aka “hyperactivity”).

Vestibular Disorder and Vision

Head shaking or head banging may also be considered to be a hyperactive response to vestibular dysfunction. If visual neurons have been damaged or somehow impaired, vision loss may give a person conflicting vestibular input resulting in lack of spatial perception. Increased anxiety levels can induce hyperactivity in an effort for the brain to gain correct spatial orientation. Exercises to improve eye/head coordination can be practiced and seem to help sufferers.

Vestibular Disorder and Auditory Senses

Auditory input can impair a vestibular system in two ways: either through too much input that can overload the system or by lack of auditory input that can disrupt vestibular function. Hyperactive children are often those whose vestibular systems fail to adequately process auditory information. Ear training to differentiate important noises from background noises can help the patient to gain control over the processing of auditory stimulation. (Sometimes all a patient needs to do is to recuperate from a common cold to clear the Eustachian tubes and recover hearing and healthy vestibular function.)

Central Vestibular Disorders

Nystagmus and vertigo are both examples of vestibular hyperactivity. Nystagmus is a constant shifting of the eyes. Vertigo is a sensation of motion, which can also be described as dizziness. Both are caused by disorders of the central vestibule. Nystagmus is caused by pressure and vertigo has varied causes, the most prevalent being vascular or auditory in nature. Again, eye/head training may alleviate these conditions somewhat.

Motion Sickness

Because the semicircular canals that control balance are associated with auditory vestibular/cochlear system in the inner ear, the hyperactive symptoms of nausea, vomiting, increased perspiration and salivation associated with motion sickness are common. Viewing the horizon may stabilize the movement of the head and coordinate the vestibular signals to lessen the symptoms.

References

• Spectrum Center: Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD/ADHD)
• Vestibular Disorders Association: Vestibular Disorders
• National Institute of Health: Mice With Vestibular Deficiency Display Hyperactivity, Disorientation, and Signs of Anxiety
• Healthscout: Central Vestibular Disorders
• Medicine.net: Definition of Vestibular Disorders

Resources

• Brain Training: The Vestibular System