Balance and vestibular (inner ear) problems are far more common than you may think. Don’t let dizziness, spinning, motion sickness or feeling off balance interfere with your life.
Balance Problem Statistics
-
Approximately 8 million people visit their doctor for treatment of dizziness annually.
-
According to the National Institutes of Health, 40-50 percent of people over the age of 40 experience dizziness or balance problems at some point in their life.
-
Falls are the leading cause of injuries in people age 65 and older in the United States.
-
Of all falls suffered by older adults, 50 percent can be attributed to some degree of vestibular dysfunction.
-
BPPV is a very common vestibular disorder with an incidence of one in every five people with vertigo. BPPV stands for Benign, Paroxysmal (sudden, without warning) Positional (in response to movement of the head) Vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement).
About Our Program
A physical or occupational therapist will assess individuals needing balance and vestibular training. Following the assessment, participants will be placed in either individual therapy or group balance training as determined by the therapist.
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services offers a comprehensive balance and vestibular training program that meets the specific needs of individuals. Participants receive education, balance and vestibular exercises and strategies to help them reach their full potential. Objective testing is performed to measure each participant’s progress toward balance goals.
Who Benefits from the Training?
People most appropriate for this program include anyone experiencing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, gait instability, falls or fear of falling. Other vestibular disorders may include labyrinthitis, BPPV, vestibular neuronitis, unilateral or bilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction, meniere’s disease or motion intolerance.
How to Enroll
A written prescription from your doctor is necessary and should include your name, the date, the order for physical therapy and a pertinent diagnosis with precautions. For example, “Gait Instability” is a covered Medicare diagnosis. Note that most insurances will cover balance/vestibular rehabilitation.
Take the Balance Test
If you answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, you may have a balance problem. Contact your physician for a referral to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service’s Balance & Vestibular Training Program. A physician order is required for all services.
Have you fallen more than once in the past year?
Yes No
Do you have frequent dizziness, vertigo or balance problems?
Yes No
Have you ever had a sudden/unexplained bout of dizziness?
Yes No
Have you noticed new problems with head movements or position changes?
Yes No
Have you experienced a stroke or other neurological problem that has affected your balance?
Yes No
Do you experience numbness or loss of sensation in your legs and/or feet that affect your balance?
Yes No
Do you use a walker or wheelchair, or need assistance to get around?
Yes No
Do you need to hold onto walls or furniture as you walk around your house?
Yes No
Do you feel unsteady when you are walking?
Yes No
To schedule an appointment for Balance and Vestibular Training call 440-816-8010. Convenient day and evening hours are available.
Location
Balance and Vestibular Training
7390 Old Oak Blvd.
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130