Rebecca Brown, Vestibular and Face physiotherapist

Our inner ear balance organ is called the Labyrinth. It is an incredible fluid filled organ that provides us with so much information. There are two areas called the saccule and utricle- these give us the perception of linear movement. Linear movement is up, down, forwards and backwards. There are also 3 areas called your semi-circular canals. These canals allow us to know if we are bending forwards/backwards, tilting to the side or turning left and right. For those science wizzes out there, you may be more familiar with the terms Yaw, Pitch and Roll.

We cannot see your Labyrinth, it is deep within your ear. In saying that, your Vestibulo-ocular reflex allows us to see what is happening and if there is an issue with your balance organ.

Wow, that sounds complex…

It is complex but very cool. As I am sure you are all aware the body has some incredible reflexes that allow us to function… The Vestibulo-ocular reflex allows us to keep the world in focus while our head moves. During your assessment at The Facial Physio we will be looking at how your eyes move in relation to your head. It is not a vision test like what you would do at the optometrist, it is an inner ear balance test.

If there is an issue with your Labyrinth or within your Labyrinth we will be able to assess this with your VOR. Many of our clients report the world spinning, seeing the room flicking by and being unsteady / unable to walk in a straight line. This can be due to the Labyrinth. For example: if someone has had a virus that affects their balance organ or if someone’s calcium carbonate crystals, that sit on the membrane of the utricle, become dislodged into their semi-circular canals. These are a couple of examples that can result in the above symptoms and can make you feel so unwell.

We will give you an in-depth explanation at your appointment and we can provide you with handouts to take home.