Vestibular dysfunction after mild traumatic brain injury: A systematic review.
Monica-Rae Owens, Eve Larkin, Samuel A Tenhoeve et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined the presentation, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of vestibular dysfunction (VD) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Of 927 studies screened, 59 met the inclusion criteria. Reported problems included dizziness, imbalance, headache, gait and postural disturbance, vertigo, vestibulo-ocular dysfunction, hearing symptoms, and nystagmus. Studies used varied clinical and specialized vestibular tests; interventions included vestibular rehabilitation and medication, with varied clinical and quality-of-life outcomes. The authors describe this as a heterogeneous condition and highlight multidisciplinary assessment and targeted management, while noting that further research is needed.
Key findings
- Of 927 studies screened, 59 met the review’s inclusion criteria.
- Reported symptoms included dizziness, imbalance, headache, postural and gait disturbances, vertigo, vestibulo-ocular dysfunction, hearing loss or tinnitus, and nystagmus.
- Diagnostic approaches and treatments varied; interventions included vestibular rehabilitation therapy and pharmacological treatments, with varied outcomes.
Why it matters
Vestibular symptoms after mTBI span balance, orientation, eye movement, and hearing-related complaints, so assessment may require more than symptom reporting alone. The review highlights the range of diagnostic methods and interventions described in the literature and the need to consider this heterogeneous presentation within multidisciplinary care. It also identifies the relationship between vestibular and neuropsychiatric symptoms as an area needing further study.
What to keep in mind
The included literature used varied diagnostic methods, interventions, and outcomes, limiting the consistency of evidence across studies.