Huron Regional Medical Center

welloneconnection 5 Your ear does more than just hear sounds. It plays a major role in your sense of balance through several structures in your inner ear that form what is known as the vestibular system. "The vestibular system has two purposes: to detect movement and to assist with balance," says Susan Fuerst, MS, PT, physical therapist at Huron Regional Medical Center. "This system uses information to stabilize our eyes while we're moving as well as process information when we're moving or standing still. It's a complicated system we tend to take for granted until we start to experience dysfunction." Finding and Treating the Most Common Culprit The most common vestibular disorder is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and is related to tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear. "Crystals in the ear detect the acceleration of the body, and these crystals can become dislodged from their location and settle in other areas of the inner ear," says Lori Welch, DPT, physical therapist at HRMC. "This can occur during a head trauma or sometimes without any known cause." Signs you may have BPPV include: • severe sudden onset of spinning when turning your head quickly • difficulty focusing your eyes Women are twice as likely as men to develop BPPV, and your risk may increase as you age. "BPPV is treated with specific maneuvers that reposition those crystals back to their original location," Dr. Welch explains. "The problem is usually resolved in one to three sessions." The actual maneuver takes about five minutes. During the sessions, therapists educate the patient on retraining the vestibular system to avoid future problems. While antivertigo medication may help initially resolve symptoms, physical therapy can provide more lasting results. If you or your family could benefit from vestibular therapy, contact Huron Regional Medical Center's rehabilitation services at (605) 353-6253. All New SD Women's Expo! w w w . h u r o n r e g i o n a l . o r g In addition to treating vertigo, vestibular therapy may be used to treat reduced ear function in one or both ears associated with other conditions affecting the inner ear, including: • Ménière's disease, which usually develops in one ear and causes ringing in the ears, hearing loss or a constant feeling of congestion in the affected ear • labyrinthitis, which causes the ear to swell or be inflamed after an infection or allergies, and can lead to balance and hearing issues • vestibular neuritis, which is brought on by viral or bacterial infection and most often causes changes in balance Clue Into These Conditions Bringing Back Balance With Vestibular Therapy Susa n Fu erst, MS, PT Lori Welch, DPT In the inner ear, the vestibular system includes structures that respond to movement and contribute to our sense of balance. Vestibular therapy helps these structures return to normal functioning. › If you've been feeling dizzy or constantly struggling with your balance, the reason could lie in your inner ear.

• Cover