kidsView Occupational Therapy

The vestibular system and the visual system coordinate with each other to control visual focus (as well as balance and spatial orientation). This connection is known as the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). The VOR has the role of keeping the eyes still during head motion and is known as gaze stability.👀

In the video, you can see how the eyes are repeatedly trying to stabilize the gaze, even after the spinning has stopped. Why?? Because the vestibular system is still feeling the physiological effects from spinning and it is telling the brain that things are not steady yet. The eye jerking or nystagmus you see will stop when the fluid in the vestibular canals settle back down. This should only take a couple of seconds, otherwise it is indicative of a neurological problem.🧠

The dizziness and disorientation come from the vestibular system being behind vision and needing to get the message that the spinning has stopped. That way, the input it is sending into the brain will match what the eyes are sending…which is that the spinning has stopped. We confuse the brain when conflicting information comes in from these systems and it will respond with nausea, dizziness, and even panic.🫨

The kids with this type of disconnect present with clumsiness, fear of leaving the safety of the ground, avoidance of activities that change the head position from upright, strong emotional reactions, blurred vision, and even dizziness. 😵‍💫

Keeping that vestibular system running effectively requires continuously putting the head in different positions. From hanging upside down to climbing trees to gymnastics to looking for bugs to yoga positions, there are many ways to keep that VOR working effectively. Getting kids outside will intrinsically motivate most of these crucial head movements that make them feel safe, oriented, and stable. 😃

Do you know why I love this post so much…aside from all of the color coordination⁉️

The deep exhalation required to blow up balloons activates the parasympathetic nervous system. How?? By pushing the abdominal muscles into the vagus nerve and stimulating action! When we exhale fully, our abdomen shrinks, and this allows our core muscles to reach this deeply located nerve. Like pushing the on button, this activation causes relaxation.🎈

Also, that nice, deep breathing leads to a nice, calm child. 🎉

These preschoolers are so proud of themselves for their success after their hard work so now they are nice, calm, AND confident kids. 🎉👍🎉