It’s All … In the Balance

Each year, more than two million Americans sustain serious injuries from falls. And, last year, there were 35 million fall-related visits to hospital emergency rooms. Florida, in recent years, has had the second highest incidence of fall-related deaths in the country. No wonder fear of falling is the number one fear of the elderly.

So. What’s happening?

Blame much of it on dizziness. According to the National Institute of Heath (NIH), more than 90 million people will complain of dizziness to their doctor at least once in their lifetime.

But the National Balance Centers (NBC), located in North Miami Beach, is getting patients on “terra firma” – and offering help … and hope.

Some of the staff at the National Balance Centers: Front row from left to right: Sylvina, Elaine, Martha, Monika, Jana, Moses
Back row from left to right: Fidel, Gloria, Susan, Veronica

Since 2003, NBC has been honoring its mission – to restore balance to its clients, one step at a time. Toward that goal, the Center offers an extensive array of services including:

Balance Screening Fall Risk Assessment and Treatment
Computerized Balance Analysis
Computerized Dynamic Posturography
Positional – Vertigo Assessments
Functional Vestibular Evaluations
Oculomotor Performance Testing
Auditory Diagnostic Testing
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Balance Retraining Therapy
Neuromuscular Retraining
Gait Stabilization Therapy
Postural Stability Rehabilitation
Full Hearing Aid Services
Individualized Plans of Treatment with Ongoing Reassessment
Fall Prevention, Balance Education and Outreach
Vestibular Research

NBC’s new 5,500 square foot facility at 16378 NE 26th Ave, also houses a full wellness center where clients can enhance their equilibrium though Tai-Chi, Yoga, Chinese Wand and Dancing for Balance. The center also held monthly vestibular support groups and seminars.

Vestibular evaluation and treatment at NBC are, indeed, a team effort.

According to Susan Roth, Ph.D., Director of Audiology, “Our unique, multidisciplinary team is comprised of Audiologists, Physical Therapists and Medical Doctors together with caring healthcare professionals who specialize in providing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and computerized vestibular rehabilitation to people who suffer from dizziness, vertigo, and various balance disorders, as well as evaluation, education and treatment to people who are at risk of falling. Their strength is in improving the health and lives of those who suffer from various equilibrium disorders. We developed a proprietary, comprehensive clinical screening and evaluations protocol which is utilized in the centers, and in a portable setting offered at long term care and independent living facilities, health fairs, various senior events and community outreach programs.”

The Center’s Medical Director, Alexander Breslav, M.D., adds “All new patients undergo a welcome and educational service orientation that comforts and educates them on their disturbing conditions and what services will be provided to them. A careful review of all patients’ medications is conducted and medical history is obtained. The patient completes a dizziness handicap inventory exam and a mobility screening test. Such tests were created by a joint effort of various PhD’s nationwide and our multidisciplinary team to pin-point and identify patient’s current condition and complaint.”

The patients then “undergo a battery of non invasive, diagnostic testing. All of the results are measured and charted by computer software to assess patient’s perceived versus actual stability limits. After all of the diagnostic tests are performed and reviewed by our multidisciplinary team, a detailed report with patient results and all correctable problems is generated. This report is then provided to the primary or the referring physician with recommendations for Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy. ”

Gloria Vassolo, Director of Physical Therapy

When the patient returns for therapy, the center’s multidisciplinary team establishes short-and long-term goals, and the patient is recommended for a specific vestibular rehabilitation therapy program tailored to their ability and needs. This Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy program is successful at addressing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, loss of coordination, disturbing symptoms associated with vestibular deficits, and improvement of sensory integration. It determines whether patients are able to return to as much function as possible, with fewer or no remaining symptoms.

Last year, the “team” evaluated and treated 2,700 patients – an increase of 300 clients in one year, reflecting the aging population in South Florida and the need for vestibular therapy. The National Balance Centers works diligently to meet its mission of restoring balance to their clients – one step at a time.

With this in mind, the center has also partnered with the Miami Jewish Home & Hospital. The Balance Center at MJHH – through its partnership with NBC – provides comprehensive diagnostic testing and evaluation, serving both residents and outpatients. The MJHH and NBC are also offer community outreach balance screenings. This partnership with MJHH will expand to include the new Douglas Gardens facility being developed in Pembroke Pines.

NBC’s service area includes Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and, through referrals and consultations, the center has been able to provide evaluation and treatment to clients throughout Florida.

The center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, most major PPOs and private pay.