Falls and Balance Program
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related Emergency Department visits, hospitalizations and deaths among Ohioans age 65 and older because they can often lead to fractures, soft-tissue injuries, head trauma and joint dislocations. In many cases, however, falls can be prevented by identifying and treating the underlying causes of balance impairments. That’s what the Mount Carmel Falls and Balance Program works to do.
Using comprehensive assessments, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, targeted therapeutic interventions and best-practice treatment protocols, we’re able to give you valuable information about why you’re falling or why you may be at risk for falling.
Unlike other hospitals, Mount Carmel uses a structured approach to identify and treat balance issues. Our multidisciplinary team evaluates the entire balance system; recommends specific exercises to re-train the system, strengthen muscles, restore stability and increase tolerance for changes in position; and creates a rehabilitation program that includes education, symptom management and postural training.
Because bringing together the best clinicians and the best equipment is the best way we know how to restore your balance and ensure your safety.
The Falls and Balance Program at Mount Carmel will run a battery of tests to ensure we get to the bottom of your falling or balance issues. Some of the tests we provide include:
A series of subtests that examine the integrity of the vestibular and central nervous systems by determining the presence of central nervous system dysfunction, positional vertigo, and vestibular hypofunction.
A computerized test that uses a gently rotating swivel chair to assess vestibular balance function and determine the presence of bilateral vestibular weakness.
A vestibulo-ocular reflex test that uses quick head movements, goggles and infra-red cameras to measure vestibular symmetry.
A functional evaluation of the ability to maintain balance in a variety of controlled conditions.
Ours is one of the only programs in central Ohio with the capability to perform Rotary Chair/VNG testing with Dynamic Posturography, allowing us to provide you with the most precise and comprehensive assessment of your balance and fall risk.