The VisualEyes™ 505 system provides ideal conditions for observation and recording of eye movements during all vestibular and oculomotor testing. The system enables a trained vestibular therapist to review and analyze videos to achieve a more thorough understanding of the treatment that is appropriate to each individual.
From exercises to education, we listen, identify your specific needs, and design a program that meets your personal life and symptoms. Evaluation and treatment sessions are completely one-on-one care and focused on quality of life.
At KMS, we take the time to get to know you and structure your treatment around your individual needs, deficits, and personal schedule. You are an integral part in the goal setting process and the frequency of your visits.
Home treatment can assist in making recommendations in a personal setting that can be challenging to simulate in a clinic. After an initial evaluation in the outpatient setting, home care is available for those unable to drive.
Kristina M. Spencer, PT, DPT is a specialist at treating balance and dizziness disorders and has over 20 years of inpatient and outpatient neurological rehabilitation experience.
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Most people suffering from a balance and dizziness disorder have trouble communicating what they are feeling. Their unique experiences can help you find your answers.
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About 50% of the clients that contact us have true vertigo, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is typically resolved in one or two physical therapy sessions, however if there are multiple canals involved, occasionally a few more sessions are necessary.
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. Benign – it is not life-threatening. Paroxysmal – it comes in sudden, brief spells.
Positional – it gets triggered by certain head positions or movements. Vertigo – a false sense of rotational movement.
KMS is equipped with an electric tilt in space therapy table to enable increased comfort for the client.
The table can be tilted so that that client's head is lower than their feet. This provides less fear, additional comfort, and better analysis of
all six canals in the inner ear system. This is highly beneficial for a client with limited neck flexibility or concerns with their vascular system.
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What happens to the brain and vestibular system after concussion?
Concussion can occur under the following conditions:The head strikes a stationary object. Common examples include a fall where the head hits the ground or an object, or hitting the head on an object during an auto accident.An object hits the head, such as a ball or stick during sports, or as a result of human collision.A quick acceleration/deceleration of the head with no contact to any surface. This can occur in dancers and gymnasts due to rapid movement, or during an auto accident where there appears to be no head trauma.
How do symptoms of Concussion affect daily life?
The concussion injury itself is ‘invisible’, as headache, dizziness, head fog, eye strain and fatigue are rarely perceived by others. Thus, the disruption of the brain’s ability to process sensory input can result in extreme fatigue, frustration and emotional instability. In children, this manifests as behavioral outbursts or tantrums. Highly visual activities overwhelm the brain, so crowded environments (work, school, stores, public events) can cause elevation of symptoms or anxiety.Work and school performance can suffer as concentration and memory are affected. Adjusting visual focus from near and far can cause dizziness and headache. In schools, looking from the desk to PowerPoint presentations or to boards in front of the classroom is extremely challenging. Children and adults alike report difficulty remembering information and concentrating with reduced accuracy in work performance. Students have trouble completing homework and adults arrive home from work with extreme fatigue and lack of energy to engage in family and household activities.Complex visual environments elevate symptoms of headache, head pressure, dizziness and imbalance, and can cause anxiety. Over time people tend to withdraw from outings and can become depressed from the inability to perform routine daily activities. Crowded places are difficult to navigate because of the movement of people and complex visual background in the observer’s peripheral vision. These visual distractions cause a sense of imbalance and dizziness, often with
head pressure, that can lead to panic attacks or avoidance of activity.
How can I best cope with symptoms of Concussion?
The best treatment for symptoms of concussion involves an assessment of vestibular function by a physical therapist. A comprehensive vestibular evaluation should include examination of balance activities that involve the vestibular, vision and proprioceptive systems, which reveals how the brain interprets movement of the body and head relative to space and the visual surround. A cervical examination determines if neck sprain or dizziness from the neck is contributing to symptoms and perpetuating headaches. Based on examination findings, customized exercises and recommendations for participating in or modifying school, work and home activities expedites recovery.
Reference: www.vestibular.org (Vestibular Disorders Association)
Other disorders include Stroke/Cerebrovascular Accident, Vestibular Neuritis / Labyrinthitis, Meneire's Disease, and Vestibular Migraine. These disorders often present with one or more of these symptoms: dizziness, difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly, feeling slowed down, difficulty remembering new information, headache, blurry vision, nausea / vomiting, light or noise sensitivity, balance problems, decreased energy, sadness / more emotional, nervousness / anxiety, and irritability. For a complete list of symptoms of these and other vestibular disorders, please refer to the Vestibular Disorders Association website: www.vestibular.org. Also, if you are not local to Harford County, you can enter your zip code to find a certified vestibular specialist in your region. We are always happy to listen to your story and assist you to find the right specialist for you!
Over 35% of adults in the USA over the age of 40 have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction. KMS offers outpatient and home health plans to improve your life and help you find balance.
