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The two months of therapy were worth it! I am not falling.
– 90-year-old Evelyn Dusenberry, Vancouver, WA
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Click a question to jump to the answer:
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How common is dizziness and imbalance?
Dizziness occurs in approximately 1.8 percent of young adults and more than 30 percent of the elderly. Every year, one-half of the population age 65 and over experience falls.
Why am I having balance problems /and or dizziness?
In order to maintain balance we use three sensory systems that send information to our brain:
- Inner Ear: vestibular system
- Somatosensory: sensation through our joints and feet.
- Vision
The Brain integrates the information sent by these three sensory systems and sends the correct motor command to our muscles so that we are able to maintain balance.
People who complain of dizziness and/or disequilibrium may have problems with one or more of these sensory systems.
In a large percentage of cases, balance problems and/or dizziness are caused by the vestibular system of the inner ear.
What are common vestibular disorders?
- Benign paroxysmal Positional Vertigo(BPPV)
- Labyrinthitis
- Neuronitis
- Post surgery acoustic neuroma
- Ménière’s disease/enolymphatic hydrops
For more information on the above disorders go to www.dizziness-and-balance.com or www.onbalance.com.
What other symptoms are commonly seen with vestibular disorders?
Vertigo is commonly present with vestibular disorders; it is properly defined as an illusion of movement of oneself or one’s surroundings. In addition disequilibrium, oscillopsia (jumpy vision), nausea, headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and impaired memory and/or concentration may also be present.
Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) problems resulting from stroke, head injury, and concussion often present with similar complaints.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise program designed by specially trained therapists to help reduce or eliminate symptoms of dizziness and help compensate for loss of balance within the vestibular system.
I’m not dizzy and just have balance problems, will I still benefit from therapy?
Many patients are referred to vestibular/balance rehabilitation for:
- Fall prevention/education
- Unsteady gait, weakness
- Home safety assessment
- Use of appropriate assistive device
What are some of the risk factors for falls?
Falls may result from multiple causes including: medications, cluttered home, poor lighting, lower extremity weakness, arthritis/joint pain, slippery shoes, inconsistent usage of assistive devices for walking, poor vision, decreased sensation in the feet, and/or inner ear weakness.
What other neurological conditions may benefit from balance rehabilitation and fall prevention?
Patients with Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis will benefit from therapy to maximize their level of function, educate with fall prevention in the home and community, use of appropriate walking aide.
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