Panic Attacks & Cerebellar-Vestibular Dysfunction - Huh?

This may surprise you; however, pivotal to any discussion of the biology of panic attacks is the inner ear; home of our ability to hear and, for the purposes of this particular chat, our balance and equilibrium headquarters. No doubt, this consideration doesn't get as much press as other biological triggers of panic, so tune-in.

Okay, then - we're going to need to discuss a wee-bit of anatomy here, so hang with me. Within the extremely complex environment of the inner ear is a tad of fluid-filled (endolymph) anatomy known as the membranous labyrinth, the largest part of which floats in a fluid called perilymph. Now, all of this is contained in a structure known as the bony labyrinth. Are you with me?

Within the membranous labyrinth is a relatively large area known as the vestibule, which contains two connected sacks. One of these sacks, the utriculus, is the principal organ of what is known as the vestibular system. In its efforts to maintain balance and equilibrium, the vestibular system receives and integrates information from the eyes, ears, and muscles of the trunk, neck, and limbs. One of the major communication conduits employed is the brain's cerebellum, which - no surprise - plays a huge role in the integration of sensory perception, as well as motor control. Now, that wasn't too bad, was it?

Disorders of the vestibular system can cause all sorts of mental, emotional, and physical problems, including panic attacks and anxiety. For example, chronic anxiety is a common side effect of labyrinthitis, an inflammation of the inner ear labyrinths; and a panic attack may, indeed, be one of the first signs of the onset of infection. So it's fact, and it's significant, that labyrinthitis, a dysfunction of the vestibular system, can cause panic.

Turning the tables, research has shown that vestibular system dysfunction may actually occur as a result of anxiety. Go figure. Panic seen within the context of vestibular system dysfunction may well be triggered by any number of physiological processes that merit examination; however, the most significant trigger is the misinterpretation of, and overreaction to, the unpleasant symptoms it produces.

As we take a look at these symptoms, I don't think you'll find it difficult to envision yourself panicking in their presence; especially if you had no idea as to why the symptoms were presenting. Here are just a few: dizziness, loss of balance, increased physiological responses to stress and anxiety, motion sickness, headache, attention and focus issues, tinnitus (a ringing or high-pitched buzzing noise), trouble focusing and tracking with the eyes, distorted hearing, confusion, and loss of memory. Think those would make you edgy?

It all makes perfect sense to me. Anything causing abnormal and unpleasant sensations, or feelings of altered consciousness, is a breeding ground for panic attacks. Certainly, symptoms such as these would present problems for any panic sufferer, or for anyone predisposed to panic.

So, cerebellar-vestibular dysfunction. Perhaps you'd not considered it as it applies to panic attacks, but I'm thinking you may want to give it some thought.

I've worked hard in helping others with creative and effective relief strategies for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. And it's all based in my own emotional and mental health history and recovery; as well as my clinical training and experience in counseling. I'm inviting you to visit my blog at http://chipur.com. It's a haven of sharing, learning, and relief for those enduring depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Come on, stop on by and participate, won't you?

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Effectively Dealing With Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Childhood professionals deal with a complex variety of issues every day such as sensory integration dysfunction, ADHD, and similar challenges. In their quest to provide the most effective tools and techniques to help children reach their full potential in life, it can be confusing about which methods are best.

Fortunately, Many companies has done much of the research and homework on a variety of tools and strategies to support childhood professionals and parents when teaching children. Some of the most effective tools are the SticKids, Alert program, and weighted therapy resources.

But what makes these tools so effective and why should childhood professionals or parents utilize them in their care plans?

SticKids and Alert Program value

First of all, the SticKids and Alert Programs are evidence based resources that help parents and teachers understand the basic concepts of sensory processing. It only by understands the neurological basis which drives behavior that we can begin to help and teach children. These tools are proven to help teach successful self-regulation skills which are fundamental to a child's ability to manage sensory integration challenges.

Some of the sensory integration challenges and typical processing demonstrated by children include:

- Avoiding or unnecessarily seeking sensory input in daily events.

- Emotional sensitivity, melt-downs, or need for retreat and isolation.

- Difficulty with focus, arousal, and self-regulation for normal everyday tasks.

- Reduced quality of motor response such as coordination, balance, or sequencing.

The SticKids and Alert Programs are specifically designed with these issues in mind and they are aimed at providing the appropriate level of guidance and stimulation needed to overcome sensory integration issues. And since they are for use by both parents and professionals, it helps ensure a 360 degree approach and consistency when teaching children to reach their full potential at home, at school, and in social settings.

Weighted Therapy solutions:

Weighted therapy is also recognized as deep pressure therapy and there has been a significant amount of research conducted on its effectiveness in recent years. Based on research results, using weighted lap pads, weighted blankets, or weighted vests can have a clinical benefit in helping children become calm and relaxed. It enhances and promotes their ability to concentrate and focus more successfully.

Just 5-10% of a child' body weight can be effective. Monitoring the use of weighted therapy is important since children should not use the therapy for extended periods of time or when sleeping.

Based on the recent results of weighted therapy, it is probable that additional research will further solidify the value and significance of this treatment modality. It is a simple solution that reaps far-reaching benefits for children who have sensory integration dysfunction.

Website resources as supplements

In addition to providing valuable resources such as SticKids, the Alert Program, and Weighted Therapy tools, few of resource providing companies also offer valuable website with general information for teachers and parents. These websites are packed with compelling information and statistics to support these treatment modalities. There are also a number of online tours where SticKids software can be tested first-hand to understand exactly how it works.

These websites include a variety of resources proven to be effective for children with Asperger's, ADHD, and other sensory integration related dysfunction. Books, games, CDs, DVDs, and other tools make it easy and fun for children to learn and develop their skills.

Tools are focused on all age groups and can be adapted according to a child's age and situation. From pre-schoolers through adolescents and adults, the materials and tools are effective.

Help children reach their full potential

With such a barrage of external and environmental influences surrounding children today, it makes good sense to surround them with proven treatment modalities that help them successfully interact with others. These tools also enable them to learn new skills both physiologically and neurologically. When children are able to better manage the influences that drive any type of sensory integration dysfunction, they are better able to reach their full potential every day.

Kate Horstmann is an occupational therapist working in the Evolve Behavior Support Team, Disability Services Queensland, Australia. She has over ten years' experience of working with children and adolescents with a range of difficulties including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism and developmental disorders.

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