Acoustic NeuromaOtotoxicity/Bilateral Vestibular Loss
Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (BVH) is described as a decrease (or loss) in function of both the left and right vestibular systems. BVH is most commonly caused by the ototoxic effects of some drugs, such as gentamicin. BVH can also be caused by bilateral forms of unilateral conditions (e.g. vestibular neuronitis), congenital malformations, autoimmune conditions affecting the inner ear, and idiopathic causes. An individual with BVH will report imbalance and oscillopsia, which is described as visual blurring of the environment when the head is moving. Physical therapy treatment for individuals with BVH may include vestibular adaptation exercises to facilitate any remaining vestibular function and substitution exercises to promote the use of somatosensory and visual cues. Additional components include postural stability exercises, static and dynamic balance exercises, gait training, and fall risk assessment.
