Vestibular Rehab Therapy Helps to Overcome Challenges with Falls
As you know, falls can be an enormous problem for recovering patients, particularly among the elderly. Falls can even be life threatening, and many times life changing. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.
Fortunately, many of these falls can be prevented with proper intervention through specific programs, such as vestibular rehab therapy — one of the newest services offered by Empathy Care.
Home safety checks, balance testing and vestibular screening can be done by our trained physical therapists. Once a problem is identified in the home, the environment is modified for safety and practicality. If general balance is found to be deficient, then balance retraining occurs and if a potential vestibular problem is present a video electronystagmography (VENG) may be ordered.
The VENG is a non-invasive diagnostic exam that can be conveniently done right in the home. It identifies central versus peripheral pathology. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vertigo, Meniere’s disease and labyrinthine dysfunction are commonly diagnosed or confirmed, which leads the therapists down the appropriate treatment path. Consequently, falls are reduced, outcomes are improved and quality of life is enhanced for our patients.
The process is relatively simple. A physical therapist, for example, identifies a current home health patient as having a potential problem, which triggers a call to the appropriate physician. Based on discussion, the physician could order a VENG. Alternatively, the therapist could contact a physician specializing in vestibular dysfunction and obtain an order. Test results are forwarded to the appropriate doctor.
If you want to learn more, check our FAQ specifically for vestibular therapy, or send an e-mail our director of nursing. Feel free to call us as well at 561-395-9101. If you’re out of the local area, you can reach us toll-free at 800-606-0856. We’re excited and optimistic about the diagnostic capabilities and treatment options we have at our disposal, and welcome any questions.
