The Center for Dizziness and Balance at Wheeling Hospital is designed to focus on diagnosis, education and prevention. It consists of a multi-faceted group of physicians and physical therapists with specialists from neurology, pharmacy, ophthalmology, otolaryngology and other specialties that may be required for assistance. Once a person has fallen, he or she can become fearful of it happening again. This can lead them to restrict activity and become isolated. The center will help link patients to the specialist who can help them.
Causes
Dizziness has many possible causes, including motion sickness, inner ear disturbance, neurological conditions, medication side effects, anxiety, low iron levels, low blood sugar, overheating, cardiac disease and dehydration. It also may be caused by underlying health conditions such as poor circulation, injury or infection.
Balance issues, which can lead to falls, may be caused by, but not limited to, viral or bacterial infection in the ear, head injury, medications, skeletal problems, cardiac disease, visual problems or circulation disorders that affect the inner ear or brain.
Dizziness and balance problems can occur any age, but primarily affect the elderly. Accidents, which include falls, are a primary cause of death among the elderly. It’s not enough to urge someone just to ‘be careful.’ Those with dizziness and balance issues need education, strengthening and a care plan to help reduce falls.
Falls also have a significant financial impact on society and are a primary reason for people losing their independence.
Appointments
It is preferred that patients be referred by their family physicians to the Wheeling Hospital Center for Dizziness and Balance.