Chronic Vestibular Findings
Posted on 15. Nov, 2011 by admin 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
Tai Chi and Balance Disorders
Posted on 27. Jan, 2010 by balancechicago in Vestibular Disorders - In Depth
A recent study conducted in 2008-2009 showed that the martial art practice Tai Chi is an effective treatment for people with vestibular disorders.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an practice incorporating slow movements of the body into different postures using your own body’s coordination. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Tai Chi is helpful for those with balance disorders because it helps people concentrate on their own coordination.
The Inner Ear and Balance in 90 Seconds
Posted on 04. Jan, 2010 by balancechicago in Vestibular Disorders - In Depth
Technology never ceases to amaze me. The amount of information we all have at our fingertips is astounding.
Learn more about your inner ear and how it affects your balance in this quick, 90 second video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbKU0AbbARg
Enjoy!
Testing and Evaluating Your Dizziness
Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by balancechicago in Vestibular Disorders - In Depth
Every therapist who tests people for balance disorders and dizziness will use similar tests. Here are four examples of the tests that are used, which may include additional explanation if there’s an abundance of scientific terms. Explanations/definitions are in italics and I have edited the copy for better reading comprehension.
Oculomotor examination
Assess for an internuclear ophthalmoplegia [eye weakness] and gaze-dependent nystagmus [involuntary movement in the eye that indicates neurological abnormality]. Nystagmus of peripheral [inner ear] origin typically is unidirectional. Nystagmus of brainstem or cerebellar (ie. central) origin may be bidirectional and have more than one direction. Pure vertical nystagmus almost always is a sign of brainstem disease and not a labyrinthine [inner ear] disorder.
Station (Romberg)
The…Romberg test is having the patient stand heel to toe with 1 foot in front of the other; this test is required to detect abnormalities in younger patients.
Fukuda test (stepping test of Unterberger)
The patient is asked to step in place for 20-30 seconds. Rotation of the patient may indicate a unilateral loss of vestibular tone.
Dix-Hallpike maneuver
The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is one of the most important tests for patients who experience true vertigo. This test involves having the patient lie back suddenly with the head turned to one side. The test results are considered abnormal if the patient reports vertigo and exhibits a characteristic torsional (ie. rotary) nystagmus that starts a few seconds after the patient lies back (latency), lasts 40-60 seconds, reverses when the patient sits up, and fatigues with repetition.
For more information and more tests:
Vestibular Support Group
Posted on 20. Oct, 2009 by balancechicago in Vestibular Disorders - In Depth
Join us for our next Vestibular Support Group meeting at our office in Lakeview in Chicago on Saturday, November 14th. Dr. Julia Rahn, Ph.D., will be discussing the psychological challenges of living with vestibular disorders/chronic illness.
11:30 – 12:00pm: Light refreshments
12:00 – 1:00pm: Meeting
For more information, location and to RSVP:
info@balancechicago.com or 773.525.5200
The Inner Ear
Posted on 30. Jul, 2009 by admin in Vestibular Disorders - In Depth
The Ear
Inner Ear