Vestibular disorders, which may affect the inner ear and balance system, can significantly impact a child’s everyday life. While vestibular issues are often more commonly associated with adults, they are just as prevalent in children. When left undiagnosed, these disorders can lead to challenges with movement, coordination, and focus. Fortunately, vestibular physiotherapy in Grande Prairie allows children to develop and function effectively. Below are four common symptoms of vestibular disorders in kids.
1. Dizziness and Vertigo
Dizziness or vertigo is a sensation in children in which they feel like their surroundings are moving or spinning. This symptom can make everyday activities like walking, sitting still, or playing difficult.
- Complaints of lightheadedness or nausea
- Difficulty standing still or walking after getting up from a seated position
- Becoming disoriented during or after physical activities, such as sports or playtime
How Physiotherapy Helps:
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) helps children improve their balance and reduce dizziness by retraining their brains to process information from the inner ear more effectively. Physiotherapists use gaze stabilization exercises, where children focus on a target while moving their head side to side or up and down, improving coordination between the eyes and inner ear.
VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises also involve head movements while the child focuses on a target, helping to enhance balance and reduce dizziness. These techniques are designed to relieve symptoms like vertigo and dizziness, gradually increasing tolerance to movement. VRT can be personalized for children, using fun activities such as head turns, visual tracking, or games that involve movement to desensitize the vestibular system and improve the child’s ability to tolerate motion.
2. Balance Disorders
Balance issues in children with vestibular disorders can lead to frequent falls, unsteady walking, or difficulty maintaining posture during activities. This is especially noticeable during physical activities like running and climbing or quiet moments like standing in line at school.
- Difficulty walking in a straight line and while standing
- Trouble participating in physical activities such as jumping, skipping, or running
- Worsening symptoms with head movements or during active play
How Physiotherapy Helps:
Physiotherapists work with children to strengthen their core muscles and improve proprioception or awareness of their body’s position in space. Exercises like standing on one leg can enhance a child’s coordination and stability. The exercises also target the vestibular system to help the brain better process signals from the inner ear.
A physiotherapist can create fun, age-appropriate balance exercises for children. For example, Vestibular physiotherapy in Grande Prairie provides child-friendly treatments, incorporating games like “Simon Says” with balance tasks to improve posture and stability. These activities make it easier for children to strengthen their core and balance muscles while enjoying themselves.
3. Delayed Motor Skills Development
Vestibular disorders can delay the development of motor skills in children. These include basic activities like walking, running, jumping, and coordinating the movements required for sports or other recreational activities. Children might also struggle with fine motor tasks like writing or using scissors.
- Difficulty with activities requiring gross motor skills, like throwing a ball or riding a bike
- Avoiding physical play or activities because they feel unsure or uncoordinated
- Decreased confidence when engaging in physically demanding tasks
How Physiotherapy Helps:
Therapists help children regain motor skills by targeting gross motor (large muscle) and fine motor (small muscle) coordination. Exercises can be tailored to each child’s developmental level. For instance, activities like crawling, running, or jumping on soft surfaces can help children improve their movement skills.
Specific activities to enhance hand-eye coordination and dexterity help improve fine motor skills, like holding a pencil. Therapists create playful obstacle courses for younger children or use toys to encourage movement. For older children, they introduce more structured activities like balance drills or activities that require quick thinking and coordination, such as ball toss or dance moves.
4. Sensitivity to Motion
Children with vestibular disorders often experience heightened sensitivity to motion. This sensitivity might cause them to feel nauseous, dizzy, or disoriented when they are in motion, such as during car rides, while swinging, or playing on spinning rides. This can affect their willingness to participate in certain activities and create a sense of discomfort.
- Complaints of dizziness or nausea during car rides, playground activities, or fast-moving rides
- Becoming upset or anxious before or during activities involving movement
- Avoidance of situations that require motion, such as amusement park rides, sports, or even running
How Physiotherapy Helps:
A key component of treating motion sensitivity is gradual exposure to movement. Physiotherapists can design a structured program of controlled, progressive activities that expose children to motion in a safe environment. This helps desensitize the vestibular system and allows the child to better tolerate movement without experiencing overwhelming symptoms.
Desensitization therapy involves starting with small, controlled motions—like gentle rocking or swaying—and gradually increasing the intensity. Engaging exercises involve shifting weight, can help children adjust to movement and reduce feelings of dizziness or nausea. Physiotherapists also teach techniques for managing motion sensitivity, such as focusing on a stationary object.
Helping Kids Overcome Vestibular Disorders with Confidence and Strength
Vestibular disorders in children may initially seem mild but can significantly impact coordination and overall motor development. Junction Point Physiotherapy in Grande Prairie aims to empower children to overcome these challenges, helping them enjoy a full range of activities with improved confidence and well-being. With the proper treatment through vestibular physiotherapy in Grande Prairie, kids can return to being active, happy, and free of limitations. Don’t wait – schedule a consultation with our team today for a more active future for your child. Let’s work together to ensure that they grow up feeling confident, capable, and free of limitations.
