Dizziness is one of the unpleasant symptoms that can occur after a stroke, causing the patient to feel disoriented, dizzy or unable to keep balance when moving. This is not just a fleeting feeling but also a manifestation of complex disorders in the nervous system after brain damage.
Causes of dizziness after a stroke
After a stroke, the patient may experience a series of physical and emotional changes. One of them is frequent dizziness. There are many causes that can cause this symptom, such as:
- Side effects of drugs: Some drugs prescribed to control blood pressure, prevent blood clots or relieve pain can cause dizziness as an unwanted effect.
- Long-term inactivity: After a stroke, many patients have to stay in bed, unable to move or have little activity. This affects the body’s ability to maintain balance.
- Blood pressure changes when changing position: This condition is also known as orthostatic hypotension. When the patient changes position too quickly, the blood pressure drops suddenly, causing insufficient blood to the brain, leading to dizziness.
However, dizziness after a stroke is not simply due to the above factors. In many cases, it is a warning sign that the brain has been damaged in the area that controls balance and coordination of movement, specifically the brainstem and cerebellum.
How does a brainstem stroke cause dizziness?
A brainstem stroke occurs when blood flow to the brainstem is interrupted. The brainstem, the organ responsible for maintaining the body’s automatic functions, is located near the base of the skull and deep inside the brain. This is where many important structures and connections are located that allow the body to perform vital functions without conscious thought, also known as involuntary activities. Simple involuntary activities such as eating, breathing, and controlling heart rate are regulated in the brainstem.
You can also think of the brainstem as a bridge between higher brain activity and the rest of the body. Because of its location and its vital role in sustaining life, any injury or damage to the brainstem can have profound effects on the body.
Does vestibular therapy really help with dizziness after a stroke?
Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, addresses problems that can arise in the vestibular system. For stroke survivors, vestibular therapy can be helpful in reducing dizziness with head movements, sensitivity to loud environments, and loss of balance.
1. The Vestibular System and Its Role in Balance
The vestibular system is an important part of keeping the body stable and sensing movement. It transmits signals to the brain about the position of the head and body, helping to maintain posture and balance in everyday situations, especially when moving.
2. The impact of stroke on the vestibular system
After a stroke, many people experience disturbances in the functioning of the vestibular system, causing dizziness, loss of balance or a feeling of spinning, especially when moving the head or in crowded environments. Some also experience anxiety or motion sickness in crowded places, escalators or elevators.
3. Vestibular therapy and symptom improvement mechanisms
Vestibular therapy is a treatment method that uses head and eye movements to retrain the vestibular system. Thereby, helping patients gradually adapt to the feeling of movement and improve their ability to maintain balance. The two main principles applied are “familiarization” and “adaptation”, aiming to restore the reflex between the eyes and the vestibular system.
4. Simple Test
One way to test your vestibular system is to keep your eyes on your thumb while shaking your head from side to side. If you can do this without getting dizzy, your vestibular-ocular reflex is still working well. If not, it may be a sign that you need appropriate treatment.
