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Tips for Dining Out

Do you avoid dining out because public restaurants trigger your vestibular symptoms? Eating out is supposed to be fun, but no one is laughing when you have to leave early because you’ve become dizzy, nauseated, and can’t think straight. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to have date night again. Read on!

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Footwear

Proper footwear can help improve balance, especially in older people who may struggle with mobility and balance issues. In this article you will learn about:
– What to look for in the structure of a shoe.
– Which shoes contribute to fall risk.
– Is it beneficial to walk barefoot?
– What shoes are safest for people with increased fall risk?
– Where to shop for shoes that will support your mobility.

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Travel Strategies

Some common questions about the effects of travel on people with vestibular dysfunction include:

“Will travel increase symptoms?”
“Should I avoid travel?”
“What is the best form of travel?”
“What can I do to minimize discomfort while traveling?”

Travel conditions that may be problematic for a person with a vestibular disorder include those that involve exposure to rapid altitude or pressure changes, certain motion patterns, or disturbing lighting. Travel decisions that accommodate a person’s vestibular disorder will depend on the type of vestibular disorder, the method of transportation (e.g., train, boat, airplane, automobile), and the conditions and planned activities at the destination.

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Trouble Getting a Diagnosis?

Why is it so difficult to find a diagnosis for vestibular disorders? Many people who suffer from dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo have trouble finding out why. Dizziness and vertigo are not actually “diagnoses,” they are

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Counseling for Chronic Illness

It's not all in your head Dealing with a chronic illness or medical condition goes far beyond the physiological and medical challenges it poses. Chronic illness can strain your view of yourself, your relationships, your

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Treatments

The form of treatment prescribed for vestibular disorders depends upon symptoms, medical history and general health, a physical examination by a qualified doctor, and diagnostic test results. In addition to being treated for any underlying disease that may be contributing to the balance disorder, treatment can include:

– Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)
– Canalith repositioning maneuvers
– Home-based exercise
– Dietary adjustments
– Medication
– Surgery
– Psychological therapy
– Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

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Vestibular Compensation

The vestibular system includes the inner ear balance organs and the parts of the brain that coordinate and process balance information. The balance organs contribute vital sensory information about motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation. In

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Peripheral Vestibular System

The peripheral vestibular system includes the organs of the inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, which contains two primary structures: the cochlea, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular apparatus, responsible for maintaining balance, stability and spatial orientation.

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Ear Anatomy

Overview The fluid within the inner ear's membranous labyrinth is called endolymph (endo-: inside or within). The fluid contained between the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth is perilymph (peri-: around or about). These two

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Coping & Support

Living with a vestibular disorder can sometimes make you feel like your life is upside down, literally and figuratively. You may feel lost and alone, like no one understands what you are going through. Treatments offered by healthcare professionals may only be provide limited relief. VeDA’s resources can help you become your own healthcare advocate. Learn more about coping strategies, psychological support, and complementary and alternative treatment options. Support groups are available for both patients and their loved ones. Reading about the experiences of others who are also struggling with vestibular dysfunction can help you feel less alone. Vestibular disorders are life-altering. However, VeDA’s tools can help you learn to adapt and discover a life rebalanced.

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Vestibular Symptoms

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders can result, and are often associated with one or more of these symptoms, among others:

– Dizziness
– Imbalance
– Vertigo
– Tinnitus
– Hearing loss
– Brain fog
– Vision impairment
– Cognitive changes

And more…

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Your Balance System

Good balance is often taken for granted. Most people don’t find it difficult to walk across a gravel driveway, transition from walking on a sidewalk to grass, or get out of bed in the middle of the night without stumbling. However, with impaired balance such activities can be extremely fatiguing and sometimes dangerous. Symptoms that accompany the unsteadiness can include dizziness, vertigo, hearing and vision problems, and difficulty with concentration and memory.

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