The vestibular apparatus gives a person the opportunity to maintain balance and freely navigate in space. Thanks to him, we not only do not fall out of the blue, but can even stay on our feet in situations where it is difficult to do so.
Vestibular apparatus: structure
It is located in the cavity related to the inner ear. It consists of membranous and oval sacs, as well as three semicircular canals. Inside the sacs is an endolymph. You can also add that from the inside they are lined with receptor cells, which are very sensitive. Receptors are located on the muscles, and the villi of their cells penetrate the jelly-like membrane.
In the membrane are otoliths - crystals of sodium carbonate. Due to the bending of the hairs, as well as due to the sliding of the otolith membrane, the vestibular apparatus is excited along them. First of all, the otolithic device transmits signals about the position of the head, and at the same time about changes in the speed of rectilinear movement. Otoliths press on the receptors below them, indicating the direction of gravity.
The semicircular canals with their whole appearance resemble tubes that are curved in the form of a semicircle. They are located in three planes, and their ends open in an oval bag. The semicircular canal at each of its ends has an ampoule in which the receptor organ is located. The channels are arranged so that absolutely every movement of the head is very accurately reflected in their signals.
The vestibular centers are most directly connected with the hypothalamus, and at the same time with the cerebellum - this explains why, with severe motion sickness, a person feels sick, and also why his coordination of movements becomes worse .
The human vestibular apparatus: disorders and possible causes
The defeat of the vestibular system and its links can occur due to all kinds of inflammatory, tumor and other processes. Also, the vestibular apparatus may be damaged as a result of some kind of trauma, damage to the central nervous system, a stroke, or circulatory disturbance in the brain. Symptoms that indicate that the system is not in order are different. The main ones include the most common dizziness, as well as twitching of the eyeball (nystagmus). It is also worth mentioning a change in the rhythm of breathing, vomiting, nausea, fluctuations in blood pressure, a change in the color of the face or neck, imbalance, and so on. As a rule, these symptoms occur by chance and without any prerequisites, however, the intervals between seizures are always relatively the same.
A damaged vestibular apparatus causes a motion sickness syndrome. Many have discomfort in transport, however, this is in no way connected with this ailment. People suffering from it experience discomfort not only when riding on anything, but even during the most ordinary and easy walk.
Restoration of the vestibular apparatus: basic methods and recommendations
In most cases, it is not difficult to restore the vestibular apparatus, but you still have to spend strength, patience and time on this. To restore the vestibular apparatus, it is customary to use:
- special complexes of physical exercises;
- special medications;
- massotherapy;
- Acupuncture of active zones.
It is necessary to restore the vestibular apparatus very competently. It is highly recommended not to experiment yourself, but it is better to use the services of a neurologist. It is also worth adding that the vestibular apparatus does not need one-sided, but complex treatment, which includes diverse, specially selected procedures.