You Take Charge
Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in the doctor’s office,
and the Number One malady of people older than 70. People who experienced bouts
of dizziness or balance problems had nowhere to turn. There was no treatment.
They were often told “You’ll have to live with it.”
Today, we can help you overcome that helpless feeling through an alternative
form of therapy.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Let’s back up a moment and explain how the balance system works. Three sensory
systems gather information regarding the body’s position or movement in space.
These are the visual, vestibular (semicircular canals and otoliths) and somatosensory
(touch, joint and muscle receptors) systems which transmit information to the
brain’s (cerebellum) central processor. The balance response is carried out
by the motor system. The right and left vestibular system is key in maintaining
balance. It provides the brain with information regarding head movement and
position. Disease in one vestibular system will produce misinformation to the
brain and cause vertigo or imbalance. Vision helps orient the body in space
by referencing vertical and horizontal axes of objects around them. The somatosensory
system gives the brain information regarding support surfaces and motion of
body segments between each other. Balance can be maintained with a loss of one
of the three sensory systems. The brain can compensate for the loss, however,
when more than one system is lost, balance difficulties will occur.
Dizziness or disequilibrium can strike anyone. Over 76 million Americans will
suffer from spinning vertigo. Those who most often suffer have inner ear disorders,
positional types of vertigo, or have had surgery involving the inner ear.
How Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Work?
There are three basic concepts of vestibular rehabilitation. The first is habituation.
In other words, continually repeating the actions that bring on the sense of
dizziness or vertigo will eventually accustom the body to those actions. The
second process involves balance retraining exercises which help to reduce unsteadiness
and imbalance. The third aspect deals with head-eye coordination exercises which
help reduce gaze induced dizziness.
Specific exercises customized to your particular needs will help decrease dizziness,
increase balance function and also increase your general activity levels.
Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders
A physician will diagnose your particular problem by performing a complete
medical history, a neurotologic examination and tests of hearing and balance
function. Blood tests for allergies, autoimmune inner ear disease (allergies
to your own ear tissue), or hormonal imbalance may also be necessary. In addition,
an ultrasound test which evaluates the blood circulation around the brain, imaging
studies with CT or MRI and a consultation with a neurologist or cardiologist
might be indicated. Once a diagnosis is made, the physician (neurotologist)
will be able to ascertain if vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a program
which may benefit you. In some cases, this can be used as an alternative to
medication or surgery. Results have been rewarding, even in the elderly.
The Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist
Helping create a winning program for your particular problem is performed by
the therapist. A discussion of your symptoms begins the session. An assessment
is made of your musculoskeletal system by testing the strength, coordination,
and range of movement of your arms and legs. Your balance and gait is evaluated
by observing if you need to touch objects, fix your eyes on stationary objects,
and by observing what hip and ankle strategy you use to maintain your balance.
After careful analysis, the vestibular rehabilitation therapist designs a specific
home exercise program suited to your particular needs. At home you keep a weekly
log of your progress which is evaluated by the physician and the vestibular
rehabilitation therapist. You will meet with the therapist once or twice a week,
as needed, for several months and will continue the exercises at home. It is
important for you to understand that your symptoms may become worse before they
improve. Therapy should continue in order to overcome the problems. Remember
- “no pain, no gain.”
Benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
The benefits of vestibular rehabilitation vary depending on the cause of your
problem and how well your central nervous system compensates. If your condition
does not improve within three months, the therapy is usually discontinued.
The vestibular rehabilitation program at the Florida Ear and Sinus Center has
already helped many people. It gives us the opportunity to provide help for
many patients who previously were told there was no hope - they would “have
to live with it.”
Best of all, the psychological benefits of vestibular rehabilitation are the
most rewarding. Returning to a normal lifestyle, free of the fear of falling,
and taking control of your own body is worth more than words can say.
If you have any questions, need additional information, or would like to schedule
an appointment, call TOLL FREE 1-888-418-9200