Otoconia

What are these?

Thankyou, Vestibular First, for these lovely little models.

They were kindly donated to all participants of the Competency-Based Vestibular Education course I am currently attending in Fremantle.

They represent the shape (but not the size!!) of Otoconia.

In reality, Otoconia are 1-30 micrometers in size, and sit within the Utricle and Saccule of your Vestibular Labyrinth in your inner ear. They are made predominately of Calcium Carbonate.

This beautiful structure, the Vestibular Labyrinth, itself only a few mm in size, is an amazing testimony to our Creator God.

We humans have, quite recently, created something that vaguely replicates its function. We call it a gyroscope, and it is very useful in programming robots!

This Labyrinth, the organic version, has 3 semicircular canals; beautifully designed to detect rotational acceleration in 3 planes. It also has 2 otolithic organs (the Utricle and the Saccule) which detect linear velocity and tilt, with the aid of Otoconia.

As with all things in our fallen world, things can go wrong with this system. It can become inflamed (Labyrinthitis), the nerve pathways carrying information from it can be compromised in some way (Vestibular Neuritis, or a tumour, or a blood clot, or Multiple Sclerosis, for examples), or these otoconia can become displaced into the semicircular canals and create absolute havoc (BPPV).

All of these conditions would make you feel dizzy, or experience Vertigo, and disrupt your capacity to balance yourself. Some might affect your ability to stabilise your gaze as you move.

Thankfully, the displacement of Otoconia is a VERY treatable condition. In fact, they can often find their way 'home' with a single manoeuvre. Even if you've had vertigo for decades, this may be a very reversible problem.

Other vestibular problems can be diagnosed, by a trained Physio +/- Neurologist +/- ENT. Oftentimes, many of the symptoms can be improved with help from an appropriately trained Physio. (Some conditions may warrant surgical or pharmaceutical management.)

Please, if you suffer from dizziness, Vertigo, or difficulty balancing, see a Physio who has trained in Vestibular diagnosis and treatment. If you live in Western Sydney, I can even come to your home!