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We are proud to announce the opening of the RWJ Hamilton Balance Center. This program is designed for individuals with inner-ear disturbance,
head trauma, Meniere's, history of fall, or stroke.
Our goal is to provide rehabilitation services to
restore normal function.
If you are experiencing dizziness, light-headedness, unsteadiness, and/or vertigo, please
talk to your physician or call us at 609-584-6640 to learn more about our program.
Our sense of balance is often taken for granted. When your balance is affected, however, the simplest things may become difficult if not impossible – walking, shopping, traveling, even
socializing.
The Rehabilitation Services department of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton is taking steps to help those affected by balance disorders by opening a state-of-the-art Balance Center at the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness. Over 90 million Americans, age 17 and older, have experienced dizziness or balance problems according to the Vestibular (inner ear) Disorders Association, and the new Balance Center is well suited to diagnose and treat these problems.
"The addition of the Balance Center to our roster of rehabilitation services is helping RWJ Hamilton fulfill its mission to promote, preserve and restore the health of its community," says Mike Long, RWJ Hamilton's Director of Rehabilitation Services. "This service extends the philosophy of the Rehabilitation Services department to restore people's highest possible function and help them return to their best quality of life."
The new Balance Center offers state-ofthe-art, non-invasive technology to evaluate balance concerns. Evaluation begins with Videonystagmography (VNG), a group of tests that monitor the inner ear and movement of the eyes. This test looks for signs of underlying neurological or vestibular disorder. Testing continues with Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP), which uses sensors and computer monitors to record body movement while the patient attempts to maintain balance under various conditions. This test can determine if any component of the balance system is not functioning properly.
Once a patient's exact condition is diagnosed, a team of audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and physicians will develop a customized plan of treatment. Therapy may include exercise programs, education in fall prevention and training in functional activities.
Getting the System Back in Balance
The balance system is comprised of sensory receptors in the eyes, muscles, joints and inner ear. These sensors work together to maintain steadiness and balance.
The new Balance Center uses a multidisciplinary program to diagnose and treat symptoms that impact balance. These symptoms can include chronic unsteadiness, vertigo, dizziness and impaired balance. While these are not life threatening problems they can greatly hinder a person's quality of life including, decreased social activity, fatigue, loss of stamina as a result of dizziness, and an increased risk of falling.
"Losing your balance can be unnerving," says Long. "Our goal at the Balance Center is to treat patients in the most comprehensive manner possible and restore their confidence so they can get back to a daily routine."
The Balance Center is located in Rehabilitation Services Department at the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness. To schedule an appointment please call (609) 584-6640.
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