Are you dizzy or having falls?
The human body maintains balance using a complex set of systems using sight, touch, and the vestibular system (motion, equilibrium, spatial orientation).
Common Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders
- Imbalance/unsteadiness
- Lightheadedness
- Vertigo or spinning sensation
- Blurred vision
- Problems with coordination
Vestibular disorders occur frequently and affect people of any age:
- 35% of adults 40 years and older experience some form of vestibular disorder.
- 80% of people 65 and older experience dizziness.
- The most common vestibular disorders, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), causes 50% of these cases and can be helped by a physical therapist.
We do Vestibular Rehabilitation at the Cantrell Center!
If vestibular symptoms do not go away without treatment in a few weeks, physical therapy can help. Physical therapy for vestibular rehabilitation can include standing balance, visual activities, and head maneuvers. Positional vertigo (BPPV) can be improved with only a few sessions using head maneuvers, for instance. Other more complicated vestibular problems may take a month or longer of sessions to correct. In conclusion, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor about physical therapy. Once you get your prescription, give us a call at (478) 953-3535 and we’ll be happy to get you scheduled.
About Linda
Linda Bratcher, PT, DPT, has been with the Cantrell Center since 2005. She is a seasoned clinician with 37+ years experience and she specializes in treating vestibular and balance disorders. Linda grew up in Kentucky and lived in Indiana for 13 years. She’s lived in Georgia for the past 25 years and considers it home. She and her husband, Mike, have two grown children — one in California and another in North Carolina– both which Linda considers fun places to visit. Outside of work, Linda enjoys hiking, swimming, and kayaking. When asked what she loves most about the Cantrell Center, Linda responded, “I love the people– staff and clients. I enjoy the opportunity to help people move better so they can do the things they love.”