Vestibular sensory dysfunction: neuroscience and psychosocial behaviour overview

Brigita Kreivinienė

doi:10.21277/sw.v2i6.263

Abstract

The objective of the submitted contribution is to describe one of the sensory dysfunction - the vestibular system. The vestibular system is crucial sensory system for other sensory systems such as tactile and proprioception, as well as having tight connection to the limbic system. Vestibular sensory system has significant role for further physical, emotional and psychosocial development. Descriptive method and case analysis are applied in literature based research methodology. These methods are most appropriate as far the vestibular dysfunctions not always are recognized in young age even though are seen as high psychoemotional reactions (psychosocial behavior). The vestibular dysfunctions in young age can be scarcely noticeable as far more often they tend to look like "just high emotional reactions" as crying, withdrawal, attachment to mother etc. which could be sensed as normal reaction of young child. Detailed vestibular sensory dysfunction analysis is presented, also explanation of the neurological processes, and predictions are made for the further possible interventions.

Highlights

Some problems, such as broken bones, cerebral palsy or poor eyesight are obvious
Jean Ayres being an occupational therapist with advance training of neuroscience and educational psychology developed a theory of sensory integration which sparked more research and generated more controversy than any other theory in occupational therapy
Vestibular system is a crucial sensory system which has neurological interconnections with almost every part of the brain; in order to produce the most effective response, it needs to function in harmony with other systems

Summary

Introduction

Some problems, such as broken bones, cerebral palsy or poor eyesight are obvious. Others, such as underlying poor behavior or slow learning are not so obvious. Jean Ayres being an occupational therapist with advance training of neuroscience and educational psychology developed a theory of sensory integration which sparked more research and generated more controversy than any other theory in occupational therapy. Her theory was based on hypothesizing and neuroscience was considered as a basis of evidence (Bundy, Lane, & Murray, 2002).

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