An Answer for Dizziness or Poor Balance

People in the Bay Area who struggle with balance disorders finally have a specialized, dedicated center to help them regain their mobility. Seton Medical Center's Balance and Mobility Center is located at 1500 Southgate Avenue in Daly City.

"Balance disorders aren't always easy to treat," says Steven Kmucha, M.D., an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor) and Medical Director for the Balance and Mobility Center. "For people looking for help, it's often a frustrating cycle. It may be difficult for one doctor to accurately evaluate all the body systems that play a role in balance-this may require specialized testing and consultations with a number of different specialists."

The Balance and Mobility Center's Clinical Audiologist, Patricia Dallaire, Au.D, and Balance & Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialists, Lena Hwang, M.S.,PT, and Katie Flynn, MOT, OTR/L, work with the patient and their physician to diagnose the frequently complex causes of balance problems and develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient's specific areas of impairment and functional limitations. Utilizing the latest technology and team approach in treating balance disorders, the Center's staff helps people improve their overall function and quality of life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The Balance and Mobility Center offers cost-effective diagnosis and treatment utilizing the latest in technology. Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) allows the Balance Center team to fully evaluate the numerous dimensions of balance and create a treatment plan for patients based on their specific areas of deficiency and their available skill set. In addition to CDP, middle ear analysis, audiometry, and Videonystagmography (VNG), are offered to evaluate the potential role(s) of the middle and inner ear in balance impairment.  Utilizing the advanced testing equipment, the Balance Center team diagnoses the frequently complex causes of balance problems.

*HEALTH STATISTICS

• The leading cause of injury in older adults.
• 5% of falls lead to fracture. 20% of these patients will die.
• 40% of hip fracture patients will require nursing home admission.
• 50% will require assistance for mobility.

*PREVALENT
Approximately 1/2 of the American population age 65 and over experience falls;
1/2 of the elderly people who fall do so repeatedly. There are approximately 350,000 falls annually.

*COST
The United States spends an estimated $20.2 billion annually for the treatment of fall-related injuries. The majority of cost is for the treatment of hip fractures, which average $35,000 per patient.

TESTIMONIALS:

• "I have regained my confidence and am walking daily again. I am particularly impressed with the patience and conviviality of the staff - dedicated group that knows their business."
• "I am no longer feeling dizzy and am happy with my results! I am thankful and will continue with my customized exercise program."
• "My balance has improved so that I am not constantly in fear of falling…also, I am walking with a cane now, in place of a walker."
• "I have improved and have less of a fear of falling. Have learned to walk properly and with confidence. I have recommended the Center to many of my friends because of their problems on balance and fear of falling."

For more about Seton Medical Center's Balance & Mobility Center, please call 650.992.3077