This is topic For those with Vertigo-ever tried Vestibular Therapy? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by Nal (Member # 6801) on :
 
My ENT wants me to try this starting this week. I was wondering if anyone else here has ever gone through it? Did it help at all? Im willing to try ANYTHING at this point!
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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Nal,

It is best if done with someone who is LL. And someone who understands what the steroid reaction is that you are having after the shot in your ear last week.

I forgot to mention that in the reply to the PM you just sent.

Some vestibular PTs are very good. The one I went to had no idea of lyme and was utterly flabbergasted at my case. She had never seen anyone so bad before and literally just lifted her hands to the sky as if she had no clue what to do with me.


I, too, had been on steroids before I had been tested for lyme and the steroids made things worse. I also had babesia and ehrlichia - but it had not yet been dx.


Still, Vestibular training - with a different PT - gave me some great skills for safety. Practical stuff like feeling the soles of your feet - how to focus your eyes, etc.


Qi Gong helped the most. Tai Chi involved too much turning of the head for me, but Qi Gong did not.


Best of luck to you. I know this is very hard.

Remember that the steroids can stay in your body for up to six months, so it may be a while to work through this. I hope your lyme doctor can guide you.

When infection and inflammation settle down, so will the vertigo. Until then, the training may help but it may not have the same effect as in patients with no infection connections.


That is why I really hope you find a LL Vestibular PT. It can make a world of difference.


Take care.

===============

Link of interest:

http://www.lymenet.de/literatur/steroids.htm


Antibiotics and Steroids

From: Lyme Disease 1991: Patient/Physician Perspectives from the U.S. and Canada - Lora Mermin, editor


by John Drulle, M.


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Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/treatment/vestibular-rehab.php


Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)


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Posted by Lymepool (Member # 15827) on :
 
Vestibular rehabilitation was very helpful in getting my 13 year old moving. Experienced extreme dizziness to the point of not being able to walk up and down stairs. Also couldn't walk around the house without holding onto walls and furniture.

After two months of VRT, 3X per week, kid was able to walk a long hospital corridor while juggling a couple of balls. In between sessions, playing games on Nintendo Wii was also very helpful as they require body movement and hand/eye coordination.

The doctor explained to me that once the areas of the brain that guide motor control are damaged, they must be retrained. Make certain that the physical therapist is a specialist in VRT.
 
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
 
VRT helped with my vertigo as well.

It was far from enjoyable though.

I hope this will be a good answer for you.
 
Posted by jocus20 (Member # 11576) on :
 
Does this type of therapy only help with the dizziness sort of vertigo?

I am wondering if this could help my neuro vision problems. I have trouble focusing, depth perception problems, trouble reading and many others.

Do u think someone could help with those symptoms? How do i find a dr who does VRT if so?

Thanks
 
Posted by Lymepool (Member # 15827) on :
 
To jocus20: I don't know if VRT would help with focus/depth perception.

The type of doc that normally deals with vestibular issues is the Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialist or ENT. Official name is "otolaryngologist". However, an Internist, Family Practitioner, or in the case of a child, a Pediatrician may be able to help as well. You might even call the local Rehab Hospital for information.
 
Posted by Nal (Member # 6801) on :
 
My ENT put in the referal for me to see a vestibular therapist. Yes, they are specialized therapists that deal with balance disorders. A regular therapist would not be able to help.
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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jocus20,

Before you can get a referral to a vestibular P.T., you would first need a full work up by an ENT or other ear specialist as there are a many different conditions that can cause various kinds of vertigo or balance disorders

Lyme is one of those but here are others, too. If you can, it woud be great to see a neurotologist - one that is lyme literate. Maybe your LLMD can refer you.

Or - sometimes - a LLMD has a direct line to a vestibular P.T. and can send you over for some training if the LLMD does not feel further testing is needed.


If you do not have a LLMD, ask members of the local lyme support group for suggestions for who has helped them - or call a nearby LLMD and ask about vestibular specialists who are LL.


Most important, is that many ENTs like to use steroids. That requires special caution with lyme or any other infections. That is why a LL ear doctor is preferred.

Check out this site for the different kinds of vertigo and various treatments. Although, if this is lyme related, treatment for lyme or other infections has cleared up others' vertigo.

Ginger capsules can help, too.

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www.vestibular.org

VEDA

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www.vestibular.org/find-medical-help/search-for-a-health-professional.php


Find a health professional by your zip code.


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