Vestibular Consequences of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

The vestibular organs, encased in the temporal bones of the skull, are vulnerable to blast shock wave and blunt force trauma to the head. Often, more acute injuries elsewhere in the body overshadow the evaluation of vestibular function, which must be considered, examined, and tested for, in the intermediate- and long-term recovery from TBI. Screening procedures include reviewing for symptoms including the presence of vertigo, imbalance out of keeping with other injuries, nausea, and cognitive changes. Activation of migraine syndromes post head injury are common post TBI sequelae, with not only headache but also vertigo, nausea, and imbalance. Oculomotor and vestibular function tests are an important adjunct to careful history taking post TBI. Medical management and physical therapy procedures usually are very effective in mitigating symptoms and returning to normal function