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Originating in China centuries ago, Tai Chi is a martial art characterized by gracefully flowing movements and postures. Extensive medical literature, as well as the direct experience of physical therapists and other clinicians, supports Tai Chi as an excellent complementary therapy to vestibular rehabilitation. This article discusses the benefits of using Tai Chi to improve balance.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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…
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.
EXPLORE VESTIBULAR DISORDERS & SYMPTOMS The Glossary The Glossary provides definitions and information about terms you may come across in your research on vestibular disorders. You can use this resource to search for specific terms
Explains the link between the vestibular system and vision, describing the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in detail with information on evaluation, treatment, and coping strategies. Details the special considerations required for vision correction, including glasses and contact lenses.
To maintain balance and navigate space in our physical world, we must organize and integrate information from the visual (eyes), proprioceptive (information perceived through our muscles and joints to tell us where we are in space) and vestibular (inner ears sensing motion, equilibrium and spatial awareness) systems.
A “Clinical Observations” column of VeDA’s member newsletter, “On the Level.” Discusses visual preference developed resulting from vestibular dysfunction, and provides suggestions for treating it.