Actor Varun Dhawan Was Diagnosed With Vestibular Hypofunction: Here’s What You Need To Know About The Condition

During a recent interview, Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan revealed that he had been diagnosed with vestibular hypofunction. “Recently I just shut down. I didn’t know what happened to me. I got this thing called vestibular hypofunction, basically your balance goes downhill,” Varun said in an interview with India Today Mumbai Conclave 2022. Later Monday night, in a series of tweets, the actor shared an update on his health and thanked his fans for their care and love.

“To everyone who has been affected, I would like to say that I am doing much better with the help of yoga, swimming, physio and a change in lifestyle,” he wrote. Varun also spoke about the importance of sunlight during recovery. Let us understand what this condition is.

What is vestibular hypofunction?

Vestibular hypofunction is a condition that affects an individual’s balance. It happens when the inner part of the ear, which is also part of your balance system, isn’t working properly. The vestibular system (in your inner ear) of the person suffering from this condition does not respond properly and sends an error message to the brain. As a result, the patient experiences dizziness. According to Dr. Vidit Tripathi, ENT consultant at Fortis Hospital, “There is an imbalance created in the balance of the organs, which can be mainly due to viral infection or sometimes there can be other reasons as well. This can be temporary and can sometimes persist but most of the time one can fully recover within a few weeks.It is not a serious illness and one can recover with the right medications and exercise.

Symptoms of Vestibular Hypofunction

Common symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and poor balance. Some may also find it difficult to walk in crowded places. Other symptoms depend on the cause of the disease. “Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, inability to maintain posture, difficulty walking in darker places, and abnormal eye movements,” explained Dr. Dhiraj Gurvinder Singh, Senior ENT Surgeon. and cochlear implant at Shalby Multispecialty Hospitals, Mohali. symptoms of this condition.

Treatment of vestibular hypofunction

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing the symptoms of this disease. A regular exercise routine will help the balance system recover slowly. Slowly, the patient’s balance can return to normal with the help of a dedicated physiotherapy routine formulated according to the patient’s condition.

Precautions that patients should follow

Dr. Ravinder Gera, Director and HOD, ENT at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Gurugram shared some tips for patients that can help manage the condition. “Making specific lifestyle adjustments, including frequent exercise and the practice of yoga, which encourages people to move and walk, will help improve their body balance. This is the only effective strategy to prevent it” , did he declare.

Some of the precautions that one can follow include-

1. It is advisable to quit alcohol and smoking, both of which are harmful for this condition.

2. Emphasis should be placed on a nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes all necessary minerals, vitamins and nutrients

3. Train well regularly

4. Opt for regular check-ups

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It does not in any way replace qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim any responsibility for this information.