We at Alpine Ear, Nose & Throat understand the effects that vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance can have on the lives of our patients, which is why we offer a comprehensive team equipped to assist in diagnosing the root of the problem and finding solutions towards relief.
Our five board-certified Physicians (seen right) have a combined wealth of knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering with balance and vestibular disorders. The five Audiologists (seen left) on staff are also prepared to perform various diagnostic testing that provide information regarding inner ear issues that may contribute to vertigo and imbalance. Our audiology staff performs tests including: audiograms (commonly known as the standard hearing test), Videonystagmography (VNG), Electrocochleography (ECOG), and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) testing, which help to diagnose inner ear disorders that can cause dizziness and vertigo. Vestibular Physical Therapy is an essential tool for many individuals with varying causes for their ongoing dizziness and vertigo symptoms, which is why we also have a Physical Therapist on staff at Alpine ENT.
Hannah Lamitie is a Physical Therapist who has been with Alpine Ear, Nose and Throat since 2004. (seen right)
Her specialty is Vestibular Physical Therapy.
Vestibular Therapy is a specialty of Physical Therapy that addresses the many disorders resulting in dizziness, vertigo, imbalance,
and falling.
There are a multitude of diagnoses that result in vertigo and dizziness. Gross estimates of incidence and prevalence are as follows:
Approximately –
40% are from otologic (inner ear) causes
10% are from central nervous system causes
25% are from other medical causes
25% are from undiagnosed causes
The other group of people who can benefit from Vestibular Physical Therapy is the ever-growing population of older people reporting slow progressive changes in balance control and balance confidence. The increasing fear of falling leads to maladaptive changes in movement and balance responses that actually increase one’s risk for falls over time. Even the most unstable people can change significantly in their balance control and confidence. With education and guided practice, fall risk can decrease and balance confidence can improve significantly.
Alpine Ear, Nose & Throat is currently accepting new patients at both our Loveland and Fort Collins, Colorado locations. We look forward to helping you feel better, safer, and more independent!