Vestibular dysfunction after mild traumatic brain injury: A systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Audiology

Background:

• Vestibular system dysfunction (VD) is a frequent consequence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
• Impairments affect balance, spatial orientation, and eye movement control.
• Understanding VD post-mTBI is critical for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on post-traumatic VD following mTBI.
• To discuss epidemiology, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of VD.
• To synthesize current knowledge on managing these impairments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on mTBI with VD.
• Inclusion criteria focused on VD resulting from mTBI.
• Exclusion of studies not addressing mTBI-related VD or focusing on post-concussion syndrome.

Main Results:

• 59 studies met inclusion criteria from 927 screened.
• Common symptoms include dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and vestibulo-ocular dysfunction.
• Diagnostic methods range from clinical assessments to specialized vestibular tests; treatments include vestibular rehabilitation and pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary approach is essential for diagnosing, assessing, and treating VD post-mTBI.
• Targeted therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing this heterogeneous condition.
• Further research is needed on the interplay between VD and neuropsychiatric symptoms.