Vertigo is the sensation of being in motion while standing still. In essence, it is a balance disorder. People who have balance problems are more at risk for falls which are the number 1 cause of all non-fatal injuries and the second cause of accidental death in the U.S. in people of all ages which makes sense, because over 40% of the population has vestibular problems (National Safety Council, Injury Facts, 2003). Identifying those with abnormal balance can be invaluable in the early detection of other serious health conditions.
Sight, touch (sense of gravity), and vestibular input (how you know where you are) work together to keep you balanced. Loss of any one of these can be masked by the overcompensation of the other two. The overcompensation will not become obvious until challenged by sudden movement, loss of vision, or loss of mental function. 85% of dizziness and balance problems are due to a vestibular disorder and can originate either in the brain or through the nerves.
How do we test for balance issues?
We perform a full comprehensive neurological exam that is specifically designed to demonstrate every aspect of the brain and tell us exactly what areas need to be improved upon. Two tests we use that are specifically designed for balance testing are video-nystagmography (VNG) and Comprehensive Assessment of Postural Systems (CAPS) software.
Video-nystagmography (VNG) is the new standard for testing inner ear function. VNG measures eye movements through an infrared camera instead of measuring the muscles around the eyes like electro-nystagmography (ENG). VNG testing achieves more consistent results because it is superior in accuracy, consistency, and patient comfort. VNG testing is used to determine if a vestibular, or inner ear, problem may be causing dizziness or balance deficits. It is the best test to determine if the vestibular loss stems from one or both ears.
Comprehensive Assessment of Postural Systems (CAPS) is specially designed NASA software that has an extremely sensitive force platform. This technology is so unique that it was awarded two U.S. patents (one for its design and one for the way it works). Its extraordinary sensitivity measures otherwise imperceptible movements a person is making when standing, even though the person appears to be standing absolutely still. The CAPS instantly compares a person's results to others their same height, age, and weight and generates a report which informs the reader where the imbalances are. How do we treat balance disorders? We are a drug free and surgery free clinic. We employ Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) which is extremely effective for those with peripheral or central vestibular problems. In chiropractic neurology we take into consideration other areas of the brain that may have deficits that contribute to the vestibular disorder. VRT exercises are significantly better in resolving vestibular symptoms than medications or "cookie cutter" exercises. We utilize related brain pathways to those in decline to adapt, create new pathways, and compensate for weaker ones.
Adaptation and compensation are achieved by the frequency of firing, direction, magnitude, and duration of the stimulus treatment. VRT increases sensitivity and restores symmetry, which results in better motor control, posture, and balance.
Vertigo, Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Balance problems can be the very first sign of serious health conditions such as: movement disorders (Parkinson's), brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure, traumatic head injuries, etc. Identifying those with abnormal balance can be invaluable in the early detection of other serious health conditions.
Even in those whose balance issues are caused by benign problems, treatment can prevent more serious consequences such as falls. Falls are the #1 cause of all non-fatal injuries and the # 2 cause of accidental death in the U.S. in people of all ages (National Safety Council, Injury Facts, 2003). They are the #1 cause of death in people over 65. Falls among the elderly are the #1 reason for E.R. visits and the #1 reason for admission to a nursing home.
More than 40% of the population has symptoms of vestibular problems (dizziness, vertigo, falling, etc.) A significant portion (85%) of dizziness and balance problems are due to a vestibular disorder. Vestibular disorders can be central (brain) or peripheral (nerve) in origin.
Three things affect balance:sight - (one can see where one is), touch - (one can feel where one is), and cognition through vestibular input - (one can know where one is). Loss of any one of these can be masked by the over-compensation of the other two. The overcompensation will not become obvious until challenged by sudden movement, loss of vision, loss of cognitive function etc.
The greatest drive to brain activity (including the balance centers) derives from joint muscle spindles and mechanoreceptors. Utilizing the constantly firing muscle and joint pathways of gravity, chiropractors provide the most powerful and long lasting sensory input to brain balance centers of all sensory modalities. These improvements are accomplished without pharmaceuticals.
Chiropractic neurologists can isolate the specific areas of vestibular dysfunction and target those areas for stimulation through kinesthetic (spinal manipulation), visual, auditory, olfactory (smell), and cognitive exercises.
Supportive Therapy
For more information about supportive therapy for Vertigo, Dizziness and Balance Disorders in Denver, Lakewood, Arvada or Golden, contact us to schedule an appointment.
