ReBalance Physical Therapy


ReSolve Dizziness

Vertigo

Motion Sensitivity

Visual Disturbances

Tinnitus

Nausea

Headache or Migraine

Difficulty Concentrating


Did You Know?

Your vestibular system includes both your inner ear and parts of the brain that control balance and eye movement.


Vestibular disorders may develop from viruses, diseases, injury (including falls, concussions, and car accidents), toxins, heredity, or from aging alone.


If you have one or more of these symptoms, I can help you determine the cause (or categorize your dizziness), develop a personalized treatment program unique to your needs, help you understand your symptoms, and refer you to other specialists in the area if needed.

Statistics

Studies estimate that as many as 35% of adults aged 40 years or older in the US have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction.(1)


80% of people aged 65 years and older have experienced dizziness.(2) BPPV, the most common vestibular disorder, is the cause of approximately 50% of dizziness in older people.(3)

What Do Treatments Involve?

  • Treatment methods are based on detailed questioning and thorough assessment of your particular vestibular/dizziness history and problems. 
  • Your unique treatment program will most likely involve a home program in conjunction with in-clinic treatments.
  • Treatment modalities range from canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g. Epley and other treatment techniques) for BPPV ("crystals" in your ear), to eye/gaze stability exercises, balance re-training, neck/eye coordination exercises, vision therapy, gait training, motion/vision desensitization (habituation) exercises, manual therapy for normalizing neck movement and resolving neck/headache/ear/jaw pain, instruction in exercises and strategies to overcome or cope with symptoms, education about lifestyle modifications, and/or migraine trigger identification/management. Treatment plans may include referrals to PCP or specialists for further diagnostics.
  • Typically, treatment also involves education regarding the anatomy, role, and function (or dysfunction) of the vestibular system in order to help you gain a better understanding of your condition, and of the recovery process for your unique circumstances.

10 Facts About Vestibular Disorders

One

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that process sensory information involved with balance.

Two

Over 35% of US adults aged 40 years and older (69 million Americans) have had a vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives.

Three

Vestibular disorders can be caused by disease, injury, poisoning by drugs or chemicals, autoimmune causes, traumatic brain injury, or aging. Many vestibular disorders occur from unexplained causes.

Four

Symptoms of vestibular disorders include dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), imbalance, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), fatigue, jumping vision, nausea/vomiting, hearing loss, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties.

Five

Vestibular disorders impact patients and their families physically, mentally, and emotionally. In addition to physical symptoms, vestibular patients can experience poor concentration, memory, and mental fatigue. Many vestibular patients suffer from anxiety and depression due to fear of falling and the loss of their independence.

Six

There is no “cure” for most vestibular disorders. They may be treated with medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes (e.g. diet, exercise), surgery, or positional maneuvers. In most cases, patients must adapt to a host of life-altering limitations.

Seven

Vestibular disorders are difficult to diagnose. It is common for a patient to consult 4 or more physicians over a period several years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

Eight

Common vestibular disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Vestibular Migraine, Ménière’s disease, Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops, vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis.

Nine

In the US, medical care for patients with chronic balance disorders exceeds $1 billion per year.

Ten

The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) is the largest patient organization providing information, support, and advocacy for vestibular patients worldwide.

Want More Information?

Scroll Down for Additional Vestibular Resources

Specific Vestibular Topics/Disorders

Webinars

Patient Stories

Additional Resources

Vestibular Disorders:  Let's Get More Specific!


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The Vestibular System

What role does the vestibular system play in balance?

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Balance and Vestibular Disorders

What does it feel like to have a vestibular disorder?

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Vestibular Disorders: 

Stories and Symptoms

Discusses understanding and coping with your symptoms along with challenges in getting an accurate diagnosis.

Concussion Webinars

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Youth Concussion

Prevention, Awareness, Understanding, and Resources.

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Concussion and Dizziness

How are the two related?

Concussion and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

What causes the dizziness, and how should it be treated?

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

What is it?  Who should do it?  What might you experience during testing?  What should you expect from  treatment?

Go To Webinar

The Psychological Impacts of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders affect more than just your balance. They can impact your emotions, self-confidence, concentration, memory, and ability to maintain your previous work and family roles, and your lifestyle.

Go To Webinar

How to Apply for Disability (due to a vestibular disorder)?

Sometimes work is no longer an option due to fluctuating and unpredictable symptoms or due to permanent loss.

Go To Webinar


Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA)

See ReBalance Physical Therapy professional healthcare listing on the VeDA website.

See ReBalance Physical Therapy professional healthcare listing on the VeDA website or

learn more about the national Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) based out of Portland, Oregon.

Vestibular Disorders Association

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  • Schedule an appointment (telehealth or in clinic)
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  • Get additional resources on specific topics or diagnoses
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  • Information on my guest-lecturing on related topics to community groups
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  • Other requests/questions

REFERENCES


(1) Agrawal Y, Carey JP, Della Santina CC, Schubert MC, Minor LB. Disorders of balance and vestibular function in US adults. Arch Intern Med. 2009; 169(10): 938-944.

(2)Ator GA. Vertigo-Evalutation and Treatment in the Elderly.

(3) Fife TD, Iverson DJ, Lempert T, Furman JM, Baloh RW, Tusa RJ, Hain TC, Herdman S, Morrow MJ, Gronseth GS. Practice parameter: therapies for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Sumcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.Neurol: 2008; 70: 2067-2074.

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