Vertigo/Vestibular Conditions

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Vertigo/Vestibular Conditions
Vestibular Rehabilitation Success Story

Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in doctors’ offices (after lower back pain). Dizziness may be caused by a number of conditions affecting the organs of the inner ear or vestibular organs. 

If you are experiencing chronic vertigo or other issues associated with inner-ear imbalance or hearing loss, Good Shepherd’s Vestibular Rehabilitation Program can help.

Levels of care:

Rehabilitation technology for patients with vertigo or other vestibular issues:

Good Shepherd is a Center of Excellence in the use of technology to enhance lives and augment rehabilitation for children and adults. At Good Shepherd, our team uses leading-edge rehabilitation technology, coupled with expert hands-on therapy, to help maximize function and increase independence in our patients. 

Good Shepherd offers the Smart EquiTest to help evaluate and treat vertigo and balance issues. Originally developed by NASA to help astronauts re-acclimate to the earth’s gravity, it is used to gauge balance problems in individuals who have had stroke, brain or orthopedic injuries, or suffer from chronic mobility disorders, dizziness, degenerative diseases or vestibular disorders. Learn more about the technologies available at Good Shepherd.

The Approach of Good Shepherd’s Vestibular Rehabilitation Program

Upon entering the Vestibular Rehabilitation Program, you will undergo an evaluation, which includes questions regarding the nature of your “dizziness.” Your neck motion is then checked, and a motion sensitivity test rates the dizziness intensity on a scale from zero to five while you are in a number of physical positions. The ocular exam is performed using goggles that magnify your eyes to make the examination easier. Your balance and walking ability are also evaluated.

If, after initial evaluation, you are seen as a candidate for further therapy, Good Shepherd may use the Epley Maneuver (also known as canal repositioning) for treatment. As part of the Epley Maneuver, your head is quickly placed over the side of a table (while lying down), and a therapist uses various head and body positions to move dizziness-causing debris away from the ear canal. 

After the Epley Maneuver, you should refrain from any significant physical activity for the remainder of the day. You will also be required to sleep upright the night after the maneuver. 

Other assessment tools and services include:

  • Motion sensitivity, where Good Shepherd's clinicians put you in repeated positions to determine which positions cause dizziness, can help to assess your situation. Then, an appropriate treatment regimen will be developed.
  • If you have vestibular ocular reflex problems, Good Shepherd's clinicians will teach you exercises to help you move your head faster, while still being able to see clearly.
  • Good Shepherd can suggest appropriate home modifications to improve your independence and safety.

Good Shepherd’s Vestibular Rehabilitation Program specializes in evaluating and treating dizziness caused by:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune inner ear disease
  • Exposure to ototoxins
  • Head trauma
  • Viral or bacterial infection
  • Migraines
  • Neck problems

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For more information on the Good Shepherd Vestibular Rehabilitation Program, contact us, call (610) 776-3247, option 2 or Request an Appointment.