Balance Awareness Week: Advancing Vestibular Care for Improved Patient Outcomes
At Vestibular First, we’re proud to support Balance Awareness Week, an initiative led by the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) to raise awareness about vestibular disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vestibular migraines. As part of our commitment to the vestibular rehabilitation community, we’re dedicated to advancing the tools and technologies that help clinicians diagnose and treat balance and dizziness issues, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Growing Awareness of Vestibular Disorders
Over the years, awareness of vestibular disorders has steadily increased, thanks in large part to initiatives like Balance Awareness Week. According to Dr. Helena Esmonde, PT, DPT, NCS, our vestibular clinical expert, patients today are more likely to research their symptoms and advocate for their own health, often turning to the internet for information. However, it’s crucial that they find reliable resources.
“More awareness is still needed, but it is definitely improving,” says Helena.
VeDA is one of the top sources for trusted educational materials, offering clear, concise information on conditions like BPPV and vestibular migraines. They provide printable handouts and educational content to help patients understand their symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
The Power of Advanced Diagnostic Tools
At the heart of effective vestibular care is the ability to make accurate diagnoses, and advanced technologies like infrared video goggles have revolutionized this process. Helena emphasizes that these tools are essential for detecting abnormal eye movements, a key indicator of vestibular issues.
Infrared Video Goggles and Precise Diagnosis
Research shows that clinicians can miss up to two-thirds of abnormal eye movements when relying on traditional room-light examinations, but infrared video goggles provide visualization of 100% of the abnormal eye movements you would expect to see in someone with vestibular pathology. According to Patrick Esmonde, Co-Founder of Vestibular First:
“Advanced tools like infrared video goggles enhance the precision of diagnoses, allowing for tailored treatments that address the unique needs of each patient.”
This precision enables clinicians to distinguish between different vestibular conditions, such as BPPV and peripheral vestibular hypofunction, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate, evidence-based treatments.
Case Study: Treating Vestibular Hypofunction with Advanced Tools
For example, Helena recently treated a patient diagnosed with vestibular migraines. Using infrared video goggles, she identified additional signs of peripheral vestibular hypofunction and adjusted the treatment plan. As a result, the patient progressed from needing support to walk to confidently walking outdoors and preparing to return to work.
Learn more about infrared video goggles here.
Empowering Clinicians and Patients During Balance Week
During Balance Awareness Week, clinicians have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and connect with others in the field. Helena encourages healthcare professionals to follow the #BalanceAwarenessWeek tag on social media, where they can learn from fellow clinicians and discover new ways to educate their patients.
VeDA provides a wealth of resources for Balance Awareness Week, including ready-made graphics and patient handouts that can be easily shared to raise awareness at v1st.co/BAW2024. These efforts not only help educate the public about balance disorders but also lead to earlier interventions, which improve clinical outcomes.
Patrick also highlights the importance of making accessible technology available to both clinicians and patients.
“When clinicians have access to affordable, easy-to-use tools, they can provide more accurate diagnoses and better treatment for balance disorders,” he says.
For patients, these technologies make understanding their condition easier, allowing them to engage more fully in their care.
Collaborative Efforts for Better Patient Outcomes
At Vestibular First, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our co-founders have an active project called Dizzy Care Network, which is a dedicated platform using a validated questionnaire developed by Mayo Clinic. Dizzy Care Network matches individuals with experienced clinicians who specialize in various aspects of dizziness and balance disorders, and Patrick represents Dizzy Care Network as a proud member of VeDA’s Industry Advisory Council. Dizzy Care Network is actively looking for beta testers both for patients and clinicians, so you can visit that site to learn more.
As Patrick explains:
“By integrating perspectives from clinical practice, technology, and patient advocacy, we continue to innovate and develop solutions that improve patient outcomes.”
These collaborations allow us to develop well-rounded, patient-focused strategies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in vestibular care. This teamwork also ensures that we continuously learn from the successes and challenges of others, driving innovation and ultimately enhancing patient care.
Advancing Vestibular Care Together
Balance Awareness Week is more than just a moment to raise awareness—it’s an opportunity to highlight the advancements being made in vestibular care and the tools that make a difference in patients’ lives. By supporting clinicians with advanced diagnostic tools and educating patients about vestibular health, we’re helping to create a more informed and proactive community.
As awareness of balance disorders continues to grow, we remain committed to providing the best tools and technologies to support the vestibular rehabilitation community in their mission to improve patient care.