Formerly known as Chronic Subjective Dizziness, PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) is a chronic vestibular disorder that can be successfully treated. A consensus among vestibular experts lead to this definition of PPPD One or more symptoms of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo are present on most days for 3 months or more. Symptoms last for […]
Balance
Do Your Ears Help You Balance?
When you think about what your ears do to help you out, you probably think about listening to music or enjoying a phone call with a friend. However, your ears have a bigger and more complicated job in your body than you might realize. How do your ears help you balance?
How Long Does Mal de Debarquement Last?
Do you know what “mal de debarquement” means? It’s a French phrase that translates to “the sickness of disembarking,” and it’s a common ailment for those that work at sea or enjoy traveling by sea. However, if you’re having issues with your vestibular system, this uncomfortable sensation can occur even when you’re landlocked. How long […]
Causes of Balance Disorders
Balance disorder symptoms can be alarming. Not only can they throw off your sense of equilibrium, but also they can lead to falls, accidents, and injuries if you aren’t careful. If you’ve ever experienced vertigo, dizziness, or another balance disorder, you might ask yourself: what could possibly be causing this? The truth is that balance […]
How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly
Getting older can be a wonderful thing. As we enter our golden years, we can learn more about ourselves, reconnect with friends and loved ones, and often enjoy a slower pace that makes it easier to enjoy the little things. However, getting older does come with a few physical changes. In some older adults, changes […]
What Part of the Brain Controls Balance?
It’s easy to take the balance system for granted. Depending on your ability level, you probably don’t think twice about standing upright, walking around, and sitting up straight. But while these processes might seem effortless, the reality is that your brain is constantly working to keep your balance system functioning properly. Your brain is responsible […]
Balance Disorders – Types and Symptoms
Have you ever felt like the room is spinning? Even more disorienting, have you ever felt like you’re spinning while the room is staying still? If you’ve ever experienced a chronic balance issue, you know that dizziness and balance problems can make it difficult to live your life. The balance system is complex, involving a […]
BINGO!
Exercising each day is an important part in staying healthy. This is especially true for people with concussions, migraines, and vesibular disorders. But staying active in Minnesota during the winter months isn’t easy. That is why NDBC has created the BINGO challenge! The Challenge: We created two BINGO cards; 1) of different walking locations in […]
Staying steady at the State Fair
It’s that time again – the Great Minnesota Get-Together is here! Are you ready for fried foods of all kinds, award-winning arts and crafts projects, farm animals, music and more? The State Fair can be tons of fun, but it also can be challenging to navigate the crowds if you have balance concerns. We have […]
The Dizzy Patient
I am a physical therapist who works in a specialty practice clinic treating vestibular disorders. It’s truly my passion to work with people who are dizzy, have vertigo, are feeling unsteady or experiencing falls. It can be a very isolating experience to feel these symptoms as they are invisible to your family and friends. I […]
Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular Neuritis is the second most common cause of dizziness and vertigo, due to a problem in the inner ear.
Vestibular Therapy
Watch this video to learn more about Vestibular Therapy and how it helps decrease dizziness.
Take your balance to the next level with these 3 exercises
We require balance for everything we do, from sitting upright at a table to going up and down curbs to walking over uneven surfaces. Want to improve your balance? Check out these 3 exercises?
Unilateral Vestibular Loss
Unilateral vestibular loss (UVL) is one of the more common pathologies involving the inner ear and the nerves related to it. UVL makes up about 14-20% of all inner ear pathologies.
What type of patients do we see?
Many people wonder what type of patients are seen for vestibular rehabilitative therapy (VRT)….is it just for the elderly? At NDBC, we see a wide variety of patients. As people get older their balance tends to decline and they are at a higher risk for falls, so many older folks do benefit from VRT. They […]
5 Great Indoor Walking Ideas
Maintaining a walking program is a good way to keep your vestibular system (inner ear balance system) working, and it has many other benefits for cardiovascular and mental health. And even though the weather is getting cooler, you don’t have to give up your walking routine. In the Twin Cities, there are plenty of options […]
Want to work on your balance? Dust off that old Wii Fit!
About a decade ago, Nintendo took the video game world by storm when it introduced the Wii system. It quickly became a popular gift for many years. It seemed like everyone had one. Chances are good you tried Wii Bowling or Wii Tennis at a holiday party. The Wii Fit, with a balance board, added […]
Surviving the Holiday Bustle
It is the most wonderful time of the year, however if you are dizzy, this session can be the most stressful time of the year. Planning a head and following these simple tips, can help make all the difference. Take Breaks If you notice your symptoms increase while you are shopping, find a bench to […]
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is caused by an infection, either viral or bacterial, in the inner ear. Usually, only one ear is affected. Common Symptoms Sudden onset of Hearing Loss Vertigo Nausea Vomiting Imbalance These symptoms usually peak within 24 hours, but may last several more days. The severity of the symptoms will then decrease, but, beacuse of […]
Dizzy at the Dentist?
When you think of going to the dentist, does the fear of having a vertigo episode also come to mind? Does this sound like you: “Don’t lay me down all the way otherwise the room will spin” or “When you sit me back up, do it slowly”. If it does, you might be suffering from […]
5 Tips to a Less Dizzy Halloween
Trick or treat! Going trick or treating with your kids or grandkids can be extra challenging if you have dizzy and balance problems. Here are 5 tips to help keep you more steady and safe this holiday. Use a flashlight. One of the systems you use for balance is your vision. Having a light with […]
5 Tips to a Better Shopping Trip
For many people with dizziness, going grocery shopping can be a challenging task. There are so many different triggers that can make them feel sick or unsteady from the crowds, to florescent light, to the multiple body/head turns. Thinking ahead and following these 5 tips can help create better shopping experience. Shop during low peak […]
How to adjust a cane to the right height for you
Generally, it’s best to use the cane in the hand opposite your painful or weaker leg. For a standard “single end” cane, stand straight and rest the cane next to your leg, with your arm resting at your side next to the cane. The handle of the cane should be where your wrist bends. To […]
Gardening Safety Tips
This time of year, Minnesotans flock to the outdoors to soak up that beautiful sunshine they waited all winter for. For many, it’s a great time to get the garden going or tackle other yardwork or outdoor projects. This can be a good way to get fresh air and exercise, but it’s important to keep […]
Tips for Tackling Anxiety
As we work with patients at the National Dizzy & Balance Center, we often notice a common theme: anxiety. Whether it’s a fear of falling, concerns about how coworkers will view them, or a generalized sense of stress surrounding their condition, anxiety frequently seems to crop up in some form. We decided to ask Mackenzie […]
6 Tips for Balance Safety in the Community
As the weather gets warmer, Minnesotans grow eager to get outside and soak up the fresh air and sunshine after being cooped up all winter. If you have balance problems, being physically active outdoors and in the community can be beneficial, as long as you are going about it in a safe way. Below are […]