Is bilateral vestibular hypofunction a recognized diagnosis? Yes, though medical professionals may use different terms for this condition. Some may refer to it as vestibular weakness, bilateral vestibular failure, bilateral vestibular loss or bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP). We use the term BVP on … [Read more...] about Is Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction a Recognized Diagnosis?
Educational
Fear Came to Stay: a Poem
It was an ordinary day, when fear kicked down the door to my world. A 10,000-pound automobile smashed into the driver's side of my car. As time stood still, with the contents of my car flying through the air, during that deep intake of breath... Fear came to stay With the velocity of a dynamite … [Read more...] about Fear Came to Stay: a Poem
Have a Vestibular Disorder? Make an Action Plan!
"I've been diagnosed with a vestibular disorder. My community has no support group for dizziness. I don't know where to turn. Can you give me a plan of action?" These are the feelings of many people affected by dizziness! It is not always easy to find support in your community; you end up seeing … [Read more...] about Have a Vestibular Disorder? Make an Action Plan!
What Medications Can Contribute to Dizziness or Lack of Balance?
One or more side effects of many prescription and over-the-counter medications may affect balance. Some medications suppress the vestibular system and may do so in a way that causes dizziness and imbalance. Others lower blood pressure and may cause light-headedness. The side effects usually stop … [Read more...] about What Medications Can Contribute to Dizziness or Lack of Balance?
Will a COVID-19 vaccine make me dizzy?
This page last updated June 22, 2021 We have been asked whether COVID-19 vaccines can cause dizziness and whether the vaccines can worsen pre-existing vestibular conditions. COVID-19 is a recently discovered disease - there are still not enough data to answer these questions. Anecdotally, we have … [Read more...] about Will a COVID-19 vaccine make me dizzy?
How to Reduce Wait Times for Vestibular Testing or Diagnosis in Canada
It can take from 1 to 3 years to see some balance and dizziness disorder sub-specialist doctors, for example neuro-otologists. A referral from a specialist doctor, rather than a family doctor - required for seeing some sub-specialists - usually shortens the wait. Similarly, waiting times at some … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Wait Times for Vestibular Testing or Diagnosis in Canada
Balance System Basics: Learn from Audiologist Erica Zaia
In our recent webinar, “Help! I’m Dizzy: Navigating the Canadian Healthcare System," audiologist Erica Zaia talks about how a basic understanding of how the balance system works can help you move forward on the road to recovery from a balance and dizziness disorder. As Erica explains, … [Read more...] about Balance System Basics: Learn from Audiologist Erica Zaia
Living with CANVAS Syndrome: Jay’s Story
I was about 30 years old and teaching a martial arts class in England when I experienced a dry, irritating cough. That cough is still with me, 40 years later. I realize now that this might have been my first symptom of CANVAS syndrome. At age 67 I found myself bumping into my wife on our walks. My … [Read more...] about Living with CANVAS Syndrome: Jay’s Story
Implant Improves Balance and Quality of Life for People with Bilateral Vestibulopathy
For people with bilateral vestibulopathy (damage to the vestibular system in both ears) walking requires constant attention to avoid a fall. Now, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Vestibular NeuroEngineering Laboratory have shown they can facilitate walking, relieve dizziness and improve quality of … [Read more...] about Implant Improves Balance and Quality of Life for People with Bilateral Vestibulopathy
Perilymph Fistula Article
Balance & Dizziness Canada is proud to announce our recently posted article on Perilymph Fistula. Perilymph fistula is an opening or tear in one or both of the membranes separating the middle and inner ear. This opening lets perilymph leak out of the inner ear and into a nearby area like the … [Read more...] about Perilymph Fistula Article
