Balance and Vestibular Center

Memorial Balance and Vestibular Center Offers Most Advanced Technology Available The distinguished Long Beach Memorial Balance and Vestibular Center provides innovative services for patients suffering from balance and vestibular (inner ear) disorders using the most advanced technology available. As one of the only centers of its kind in Southern California, specially trained physical therapists and physicians offer state-of-the-art testing and treatment to improve independence, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

"Forty percent of all people over the age of 40 experience dizziness due to a vestibular deficit, and until recently treatment options were limited," says Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist Eric Feldman, MD. "Symptoms of a balance or vestibular disorder include dizziness or vertigo, frequent falls, sensation of falling or imbalance, motion sickness while walking or jumping vision. Because of advances in testing and research, our team at Long Beach Memorial can accurately identify the cause of vestibular deficits and apply effective rehabilitation techniques to reduce dizziness and improve function."

More than one-third of individuals over the age of 65 falls at least once a year, and many assume that falling is a natural result of aging. Fear of falling is the primary complaint of the majority of patients in the program. The Memorial Balance and Vestibular Center succeeds in identifying the cause of balance disorders and designs individualized treatment programs to improve balance and reduce fall risks. The Center also offers a community balance exercise class for graduates to continue to maintain their functional accomplishments.

Memorial's outcome data demonstrate that at least 90% of individuals identified at risk for falling are no longer at risk after completing their rehabilitation program. Graduates of this outpatient program report a high level of satisfaction with the services and a "new lease on life," free from fears of falling.

For questions about this program call: (562) 933-9039
To schedule an appointment for Physical Therapy call: (562) 933-9027
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Feldman or Dr. Hoang call: (562) 424-8111

For additional on balance disorders:
eda@vestibular.org
www.vestibular.org

Program Goals and Components

Goals of the program are to:

• Improve functional mobility
• Reduce dizziness
• Reduce risk for falling
• Improve balance

The program consists of:

• Initial evaluation by a Physical Therapist and/or a physician;
• Testing as appropriate to identify the cause of the balance problem;
• Individualized exercise program;
• Training in functional activities;
• Education related to specific diagnosis, safety and fall risk, physical therapy rationale and treatment;
• Equipment needs assessment; and
• Referral for Occupational Therapy if needed to address issues of Activities of Daily living (writing, bathing, dressing, cooking).

Balance deficits and/or dizziness often results in a decreased activity level and fear of falling. This may lead to weakness and impaired ability to engage in community involvement. An exercise and balance training program can assist in improving confidence, reducing risk for falls, and improving overall functional capacity. With more confidence in one's abilities, many patients are able to resume their prior functional activities without fear.

Dizziness also can affect one's functional capabilities and increase anxiety. With therapy for inner ear disorders, we attempt to identify the cause of dizziness, and then work to decrease symptoms to make functional activities more tolerable.

Because therapy sessions account for only a few hours per week, we expect that our patients participate in an exercise program at home when not in therapy. We feel that a team approach, with the patient as part of the team, leads to better results and a quicker recovery.

Populations Served

Those with the following symptoms may be appropriate for this program:

• Dizziness or vertigo
• Frequent falls
• Sensation of falling/ Imbalance
• Motion sickness while walking or during regular functional activities
• Jumping vision

These symptoms can be both chronic or new onset but must be affecting one's functional capabilities. Many patients report an inability to get up from the floor, walk on stairs without holding on to a railing, to walk on curbs or grass, to turn quickly or turn their head while walking. Dizziness often interferes with driving, walking in crowds, and walking in the grocery store or mall.

Balance Center Staff Members

Medical Director: Eric Feldman, MD and Diemha Hoang , MD have over 30 years of combined experience. They are Board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, especially for those suffering from stroke and balance deficits, available for consult by appointment. Dr. Feldman and Dr. Hoang are involved in the leadership team for the Medical Center.

Physical Therapy: Debbie Struiksma, PT and Sapan Palkhiwala, DPT with 10 years combined experience specializing in neurological, balance and vestibular deficits. Both licensed therapists have received advanced training in the area of balance and vestibular disorders including completion of a competency course in Vestibular Rehab.

Hours and Location

Services are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Last appointment of the day is 3 p.m.

Location

The Balance and Vestibular Center is located in the Rehabilitation Center of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, on the second floor. The center is to the right, beyond Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Signs are posted along the way.