Current perspectives on vestibular insights into spatial cognition: A narrative review

Abstract

Conventionally, the focus on vestibular information has centered on basic functions such as adjusting eye movements, controlling posture, and gaze stabilization. However, there has been a noteworthy transformation in recent years as researchers seek to unravel the mysterious relationship between the vestibular system and spatial cognition. This narrative review endeavors, to provide a thorough analysis of current perspectives by delving into a vast body of research in this domain. The principal aim is to critically assess existing studies, offering nuanced insights into the complex interplay between the vestibular system and spatial abilities. For this the electronic database such as PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar was searched for available literature from 2014 onward based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. After reviewing the literature by different authors, a brief review was conceptualized from the same. This article thoroughly explores brain regions related to vestibular function and their connections to spatial orientation and clinical implications. It identifies research gaps and proposes future avenues to deepen our understanding of the vestibular system’s role in spatial cognition, aiming for a holistic perspective. The intricate link between the vestibular system and spatial memory processing is a significant area in neuroscience, with vestibular exercises holding potential for personalized interventions, emphasizing the need to address research gaps for optimal cognitive well-being.