Recent Highlights
Appearing in the July 2009 issue of O Magazine, "Spin Control" briefly touches on some of the most common causes of dizziness, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, migraine, and vestibular neuronitis (also known as neuritis or labyrinthritis). We assisted O's fact-checking staff by providing statistics and extensive general information.
On April 27, 2009, NPR broadcast “Inner Ear ‘Rock Slides’ Lead to Vertigo” about benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Much of the segment was devoted to the efficacy of using the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), also called the Epley maneuver, to treat it. As an expert on dizziness, VEDA science and medical advisor Dr. Timothy Hain provided several quotes for the story, pointing out that CRP is really a “success story in medicine,” given the excellent results so many people with posterior canal BPPV experience after CRP treatment. According to Dr. Hain, “We’ve figured out the cause of this condition — and we've figured out how to treat it.” VEDA recently worked with Dr. Hain to exhaustively update our short publication on BPPV, which is available in our online store (see below) and which first appeared in the Winter 2009 issue of our newsletter, On the Level.
On April 27, 2009, NPR broadcast “Inner Ear ‘Rock Slides’ Lead to Vertigo” about benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Much of the segment was devoted to the efficacy of using the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), also called the Epley maneuver, to treat it. As an expert on dizziness, VEDA science and medical advisor Dr. Timothy Hain provided several quotes for the story, pointing out that CRP is really a “success story in medicine,” given the excellent results so many people with posterior canal BPPV experience after CRP treatment. According to Dr. Hain, “We’ve figured out the cause of this condition — and we've figured out how to treat it.” VEDA recently worked with Dr. Hain to exhaustively update our short publication on BPPV, which is available in our online store (see below) and which first appeared in the Winter 2009 issue of our newsletter, On the Level.
“Dizzy Signals,” an article appearing in the May 2009 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal, mentioned VEDA as a helpful resource for people struggling with dizziness and vertigo. We contributed background research with extensive interviews to the creation of the story. Since the issue hit the newsstands, VEDA’s office has recorded a notable uptick in requests for help and information—hardly surprising, given that the magazine enjoys a monthly circulation of over 4 million!
VEDA also received prominent mention in “Free Falling,” an article by Claire Dederer appearing in the December 2008 issue of Vogue. We provided extensive interviews to assist with Dederer’s research, and the resulting piece is a well written and honest account of the day-to-day challenges presented by the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) she has lived with for 15 years. As the writer notes, despite the need demonstrated by the thousands of people who seek information from VEDA’s Web site each day, “dizziness as a medical phenomenon remains mysterious, confusing, and frustrating.” With an average circulation of nearly 400,000 per issue, Vogue and Dederer have made a valuable contribution to public awareness of BPPV and VEDA’s advocacy for people with vestibular disorders.
VEDA also received prominent mention in “Free Falling,” an article by Claire Dederer appearing in the December 2008 issue of Vogue. We provided extensive interviews to assist with Dederer’s research, and the resulting piece is a well written and honest account of the day-to-day challenges presented by the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) she has lived with for 15 years. As the writer notes, despite the need demonstrated by the thousands of people who seek information from VEDA’s Web site each day, “dizziness as a medical phenomenon remains mysterious, confusing, and frustrating.” With an average circulation of nearly 400,000 per issue, Vogue and Dederer have made a valuable contribution to public awareness of BPPV and VEDA’s advocacy for people with vestibular disorders.
New and Updated VEDA Publications
[E-12] Improving Balance with Tai Chi by Melissa Rodenbeek, MA, with contributions by Gaye Cronin, OTD, OTR. Explains the basic principles and balance benefits of Tai Chi, including direct clinical observation of its efficacy as a complementary vestibular therapy. Describes the CDC-sponsored program Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, including direct observations of an instructor training workshop. Finally, offers consumer tips on selecting and preparing for a Tai Chi course.
[F-31] Vision Challenges with Vestibular Disorders by Lisa Haven, PhD, and Melissa Rodenbeek, MA. Explains the link between the vestibular system and vision, describing the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in detail. Information on evaluation, treatment, and coping strategies for VOR-related vision problems is included. Details the special considerations required for vision correction, including glasses and contact lenses.
[F-31] Vision Challenges with Vestibular Disorders by Lisa Haven, PhD, and Melissa Rodenbeek, MA. Explains the link between the vestibular system and vision, describing the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in detail. Information on evaluation, treatment, and coping strategies for VOR-related vision problems is included. Details the special considerations required for vision correction, including glasses and contact lenses.
[R-5] Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by Timothy C. Hain, MD, and Melissa Rodenbeek, MA. Outlines the prevalence, causes, and types of BPPV, with a discussion of symptoms, diagnosis, coping, with an extensive section on treatment (including particle-repositioning head maneuvers, vestibular physical therapy, medication, non-intervention, and surgery). Includes a diagram of the inner ear and detailed illustrations of the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) and Brandt-Daroff exercises.
[C-7] Using the Wii for Vestibular Rehabilitation by Margaret Fitzpatrick, PT, DPT, OCS, Lynne Harding, PT, and Melissa Rodenbeek, MA. This very brief (two-page) article describes the emerging use of the Nintendo Wii and WiiFit video game console for vestibular therapy, including details on specific games used and resulting improvements to patient balance.
[F-30] Computer Monitors and Digital Televisions: Display Selection Considerations with Visual Sensitivity from Vestibular Disorders by Lisa Haven, PhD. Visual sensitivity from vestibular disorders can be exaggerated when a person uses a computer monitor or watches television. This problem is discussed in a review of features associated with three common display technologies: cathode-ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), and plasma. Guidelines for choosing a computer monitor or television are presented.
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