Chronic Vestibular Findings

Posted on 15. Nov, 2011 by in In the News, Vestibular Disorders - In Depth

Is chronic vestibular dysfunction an underappreciated cause of unexplained nausea and vomiting? Yes, according to Tanya Evans, MD, of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. She recently studied a group of 248 patients referred to a hospital outpatient facility of treatment for chronic nausea and vomiting. Out of all the patients 64 of them or 25.8%, were specifically diagnosed with chronic vestibular dysfunction.

She also went on to say that many patients with inner ear problems who also have frequent nausea and vomiting are often misdiagnosed with gastro paresis, which is a condition that reduces the ability of the stomach to empty its contents, but there is no blockage.

If you are or someone you know has chronic nausea or vomiting and want to learn more about vestibular dysfunction go to www.balancechicago.com

To read more about Evans studies and findings go to: http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ACG/29387

Dr. Michele Kehrer PT, DPT, ATC In The News Again!

Posted on 15. Apr, 2010 by in In the News, Vestibular Disorders - In Depth

Michele was interviewed by the popular women’s online health resource, EmpowHER, about dizziness and balance disorders and the treatments available for these disorders.

“The treatment offered at my center is especially important now due to the increased number of Americans living longer,” said Dr. Kehrer. “Sixty-five percent of individuals over the age of 60 experience dizziness or loss of balance, the result of generalized functional degradation.”

The treatment offered at LifeStyle’s office is vestibular rehabilitation, which includes the use of high-tech equipment and easy-to-follow exercises. Although medication is often as the main source to treat dizziness, LifeStyle tries to lessen the use of medication to treat dizziness because “…this medication increases risk of falling and can be addictive. It also suppresses vestibular function, essentially worsening the problem that it is prescribed to treat. The medication is fine when prescribed correctly and utilized in conjunction with physical therapy.”

To learn more and to read this fabulous article:
http://bit.ly/98OLAl
(I shortened the URL to the above)

Score

Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by in In the News

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Magazine Articles

Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by in In the News

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View Our ABC7 News Coverage

Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by in In the News

Press Release – January 10, 2007

Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by in In the News

Chicago Center Offers New Hope for People with Severe Dizziness and Balance Disorders (click for more)

Do you get Dizzy When you Stand Up?

Posted on 01. Nov, 2009 by in In the News

It may be orthostatic hypotension. This is caused by a quick drop in blood pressure when one stands up and all the blood rushes towards the lower parts of the body. When this happens, a person can become dizzy, lightheaded, have blurred or dimmed vision, and may even faint.

Here are some great ways to minimize the symptoms/effects of orthostatic hypotension:

  • Standing slowly rather than quickly, as the delay can give the blood vessels more time to constrict properly. This can help avoid incidents of syncope (fainting).
  • Take a deep breath and flex your abdominal muscles while rising to maintain blood and oxygen in the brain.
  • Maintaining an elevated salt intake, through sodium supplements or electrolyte-enriched drinks. Maintaining a proper fluid intake to prevent the effects of dehydration.
  • As eating lowers blood pressure, take your food in a larger number of smaller meals. Take extra care when standing after eating.
  • When orthostatic hypotension is caused by hypovolemia due to medications, the disorder may be reversed by adjusting the dosage or by discontinuing the medication.
  • When the condition is caused by prolonged bed rest, improvement may occur by sitting up with increasing frequency each day. In some cases, physical counterpressure such as elastic hose (stockings) or whole-body inflatable suits may be required.
  • Many people who experience orthostatic hypotension are able to recognise the symptoms and quickly adopt a “squat position” to avoid falling during an episode. This is because they are usually unable to co-ordinate a return to sitting in a chair, once the episode has commenced.
  • Avoiding bodily positions that impede blood flow, such as sitting with knees up to chest or crossing legs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthostatic_hypotension

Getting Rid of Vertigo Through Virtual Reality

Posted on 13. Oct, 2009 by in In the News

Can virtual reality technology help cure vertigo?

http://www.king5.com/health/stories/NW_101209HEB-virtual-vertigo-TP.20e62cd5d.html

What do you think?

Invisible Illness Seminars

Posted on 09. Oct, 2009 by in In the News

These seminars are FREE from Invisible Illness Week and they upload straight into your iTunes. Some seminars include:

“Understanding how we Uniquely Deal with Difficulties in Life”

“Helping Others Undertand Your Pain”

“When Your Child is Chronically Ill”

“Simplifying Your Home and Housework”

“Finding Health Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition”

http://www.apple.com/search/ipoditunes/?q=invisible+illness

Purchasing Balance Exercises Online

Posted on 20. Aug, 2009 by in In the News, Vestibular Disorders - In Depth

Yesterday we had a woman who called us and asked if we would suggest any particular balance exercises to buy from an online source. She had found some online for $59.99 and wanted our opinion.

Our answer was: Go see a licensed healthcare professional who deals with vestibular disorders!

The reason vestibular rehabilitation and balance therapy works is because a trained professional is watching you and making sure you are doing these exercises correctly. These therapists and doctors are educated  in teaching how these exercises re-train your brain and vestibular system. Even slight changes the therapist makes can make a big difference in your recovery.

So check with your healthcare professional and you’ll be back to doing things you have been wanting to do!

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**Disclaimer: This post is not intended as medical advice – always go see your doctor before you start any new activity when you have a vestibular disorder.