Our sense of balance is complicated and depends on the inner ear, the eyes, and the muscles and joints to transmit reliable information to the brain about the body's movement and position in space.  Injury or illness that damages any of these areas may result in dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and other symptoms.

With vestibular disorder symptoms and their severity vary a great deal.  You may experience

• problems with balance and equilibrium

• visual changes

• problems with hearing, and

• cognitive/psychological problems

Symptoms can potentially have a devastating effect on your quality of life, impacting

• day-to-day functioning

• your ability to work

• relationships with family and friends

It has been reported that 45% of the adult population reports episodes of dizziness or vertigo to their physicians.  In approximately 85% of these patients reporting these symptoms the cause is vestibular system dysfunction.

Recent studies have shown that patients often benefit from vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or VRT.  The goal of VRT is to retrain the brain to process signals from the inner ear in coordination with information from vision, muscles and joints.

First our expert therapists will perform a thorough evaluation.  This includes observing your

• posture

• balance

• movement, and

• performing an occulomotor exam

Based on these findings the therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan that will include exercises to be performed in the therapy center and home designed to minimize symptoms, improve the patient's balance and increase their functional capacity.

BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV)

BPPV is a disorder that causes vertigo, dizziness, and other symptoms due to debris within the inner ear called otoconia, or "ear rocks".  BPPV may be caused by infection or inflammation that stops the stones from moving around like normal.  With head movment the debris shifts sending false signals to the brain, which affects balance.

The main symptom is a feeling that you are spinning or tilting when you are not.  Symptoms are almost always caused by a change in head position such as rolling over in bed, getting out of bed or tipping the head backwards.

About 20% of all dizziness is due to BPPV.  It is most commonly caused by head injury in people younger than 50.  About 50% of dizziness in older people (50 - 80 years old) is due to BPPV.

BPPV can easily be assessed and treated with vestibular physical therapy exercises to restore your quality of life.