Balance-Gate-Vestibular Therapy Services

Each year, approximately 40% of the U.S. population age 65 and over experience falls. Half of our seniors who fall do so repeatedly. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults and this dangerous loss of balance leads to more than 250,000 hip fractures annually. These fractures are deadly; resulting in a 35% mortality rate within the first year of injury. One half of older Americans that are hospitalized for fall related injuries are discharges to nursing homes.

The causes of dizziness and loss of balance are difficult to understand and diagnose. In most cases, balance problems originate within three independent systems integrated by the brain. Our inner ears, our eyes, and our muscles, joints and nerves all send information to the brain. The brain processes this information and directs instruction back to our bodies enabling us to walk, turn and bend over easily. If one, or any combination of these systems develop a problem them dizziness or loss of balance may occur.

As a leader in Fall Reduction and Balance Diagnostics/Retraining, Dr. Minas Kochumian's Integrative Balance Program offers balance evaluation and training designed especially for older individuals with balance and mobility problems.

In a safe controlled setting. Dr. Kuchumian and his staff use the latest technology to test the balance and mobility skills of seniors and others who are referred to the program. With the test information, the medical staff designs a training program customized to meet each patient's individual needs. For more information about the integrative balance program and facility location.

Vestibular Disorders

• Acoustic neuroma
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Endolymphatic hydrops
• Labyrinthitis and neronitis
• Mal de débarquement syndrome
• Ménière's disease
• Ototoxicity
• Perilymph fistula

Testing

• Ocular motor screening
• Vestibulo-occular reflex
• Electrovideonytography
• Caloric testing
• Positional testing
• Rotational testing
• Visual-vestibular interaction assessment
• Posturography testing

Getting started with therapy

Once the source of your dizziness or imbalance has been diagnosed, our next step is to immediately begin treating your problem. Occasionally, we may find it necessary to perform additional test, or refer you to a specific doctor, however nearly all problems with dizziness and imbalance can be successfully and painlessly treated by utilizing balance therapy.

Balance/Vestibular Therapy

This method of physical therapy treatment varies from person to person, and can include vestibular rehabilitation, balance retraining, targeted muscle strengthening exercised, and medication. Based on your diagnosis and medical history, your physical therapist will design special exercises for you that will send the correct signals to your brains to maintain balance. These physical therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes to an hour, twice a week, for 6 to 10 weeks.

What to Expect

For many types of balance problems, Lifeline's vestibular rehabilitation program has proven quite successful. Customizes exercises address your special needs and are designed to strengthen muscles, improve the balance system, regain proper nervous system function, and ultimately improve the quality of your everyday life. Our staff physicians work closely with your therapist, and we always keep your primary care physician informed of your progress. This assures a lever of care that considers all of our needs.