Finding the Reset Button: Autonomic Dysregulation Concurrent with Central Vestibular Disorders

Course overview

Central dizziness is a broad term that refers to a variety of health conditions that result in altered sensory processing of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory input. The clinical presentation may include maladaptive motor responses observed during balance and functional mobility. Autonomic nervous system dysregulation may contribute to central dizziness following head trauma, surgical procedures, or after a viral episode. Physical therapists are positioned to screen for activity intolerance, particularly if the time since onset indicates progression to a chronic condition and therapeutic responses are suboptimal. This education session will provide a framework for the identification of autonomic dysregulation coupled with central vestibular syndromes. Early recognition of specific signs and symptoms across all body systems can help identify comorbid medical conditions and risk factors that require appropriate referrals for medical management. People with orthostatic and activity intolerance coupled with central dizziness may require individualized, innovative, and non-traditional approaches to promote self-care and improve their engagement with rehabilitation. Effective treatments include structured exercise protocols, use of wearable devices, guided activity modifications, and lifestyle changes to help reduce triggering persistent symptoms.