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Balance & vestibular program
Dizziness and loss of balance are among the most common problems bringing
patients to their doctor’s office. In fact, 40% of adults experience dizziness
or imbalance at some point in their life. Left untreated, the results can be
debilitating. As people get older, dizziness and falls become more common.
These falls can lead to injury, hospitalization, surgery and even permanent
disability. Dizziness and imbalance should not be accepted as inevitable effects
of the aging process.
Aurora offers a comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation and vestibular
therapy program.
Approximately half of all cases of dizziness – also referred to as vertigo,
spinning or an off-balance sensation – are caused by a vestibular (inner ear)
disturbance. Imbalance often accompanies dizziness and may be related to a
vestibular disorder. While some causes of dizziness and imbalance lie within the
inner ear, other possible diagnoses include a wide range of medical,
neurological and cardiovascular disorders.
Experienced staff
Aurora’s balance & vestibular program is recognized as a regional leader in
vestibular rehabilitation and therapy. Our program is led by
Bridget Kulick, PT who has been working with
balance and dizziness disorders since 1991. The interdisciplinary team approach
to rehabilitation involves close communication between the physical therapist
and audiologist, as well as with the patient’s primary care doctor, ear, nose
and throat physician, neurologist, and other specialists as needed.
Individualized treatment
All patient treatment plans are highly individualized depending on the
medical history, general health, symptoms and test results, as well as input
from patients, their physician(s) and family members.
Vestibular therapy emphasizes the reduction and prevention of symptoms and
decreasing the risk of falls, fractures and other injuries. The physical therapy
evaluation and rehabilitation plan may include:
- A comprehensive medical history assessment and physical examination
- Balance testing and training
- Vestibular (inner ear) therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- Fall prevention
- Home safety
- Patient and family education
Diagnostic testing performed by a certified audiologist may include:
- A comprehensive hearing assessment
- Electronystagmography (ENG testing)
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