Dizziness is the third most common reason that people go to see doctors. In patients over 65, it’s the most common reason. There are numerous causes of such conditions. While most are not life-threatening, the resulting problem can reduce one's quality of life. At least half of the overall U.S. population is affected by a balance or vestibular disorder sometime during their lives. Of all falls suffered by the elderly, 50% are the result of vestibular problems. Specialty clinics offer the patient and their physician the diagnostic services and the individualized treatment to guide recovery. |
The Hearing & Balance Center at Affiliated Community Medical Centers is a multidisciplinary program for the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders which may arise from the central or peripheral vestibular systems. The peripheral vestibular system is a portion of the inner ear involved in the maintenance of balance and gaze stability. The central vestibular system is located in the cerebellum or main balance center of the brain.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treat Dizziness and
balance Disorders
ACMC’s Hearing & Balance Center utilizes
a multidisciplinary team approach to
diagnosing and treating dizziness and balance disorders. The
specialties of otolaryngology (ENT), audiology and physical
therapy have joined forces to determine the patient’s
source of the dizziness or balance problem, and then develop
the best treatment plan. Their comprehensive, coordinated care,
the most sophisticated diagnostic
testing technology, and the fact that patient’s can
now have treatment close to home makes the program unique for
West Central and Southwest Minnesota.
The Most Sophisticated Diagnostic Testing Technology
There are an array of diagnostic and
treatment resources today that can only be found to treat dizziness
disorders. The Hearing & Balance Center brings a wide range
of skills including not just our ENT's expertise, but physical
therapists and audiologists knowledgeable about vestibular
rehabilitation. They offer the latest in testing for the
vestibular system including electronystagmography (ENG) and
Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). In a large percentage
of cases, imbalance and dizziness is caused by the vestibular
system, or inner ear. Vestibular rehabilitation is the treatment
of imbalance and dizziness. Individualized exercise programs,
developed by a physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation,
are tailored to the patient’s needs, based on the diagnostic
test results. It is necessary that you complete the necessary forms and
bring them to your first visit at the Hearing & Balance
Center.