Vestibular Hypofunction: What is the disease Varun Dhawan was diagnosed with?

Popular Bollywood actor, Varun Dhawan recently revealed that he was diagnosed with an ailment called Vestibular Hypofunction. He described how his health has gotten worse after he had overexerted himself post the pandemic, especially during the production of his movie, JugJugg Jeeyo.

Following the diagnosis, he was asked to take a hiatus from work.

What is Vestibular Hypofunction?

A peripheral or central vestibular system that is partially or completely dysfunctional is known as having vestibular hypofunction. While the reasons for vestibular hypofunction might be genetic, neurodegenerative, toxic, viral, or traumatic. A sophisticated structure of bone and cartilage makes up your ear. There is a fluid-filled semicircular channel there. Moving causes the fluid's position to change.

Your brain receives the data through a sensor in your ear, which helps you feel balanced. The portion of the inner ear responsible for balance that is dysfunctional in vestibular hypofunction. This may just affect one side of the head (unilateral hypofunction), or both sides. It affects daily life and functioning in a variety of direct and indirect ways. When a portion of the inner ear is dysfunctional, erroneous messages are sent to the brain and cause the condition.

Consequences of Vestibular Hypofunction:

• The most common side effects include oscillopsia, chronic vertigo-free dizziness, and issues with balance, walking, and driving.
• Patients might not be able to read signs when moving, for instance.
• may experience more falls
• Have trouble walking at night or on uneven terrain
• Vestibular hypofunction affects higher cognitive functions, affecting spatial memory, learning, and wayfinding.
• Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction affects people more severely than unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction.