The Vestibular Disorders Rehabilitation Program at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center addresses conditions of the vestibular system that can lead to dizziness and balance difficulties. The vestibular system is a sensory system and part of the auditory (hearing) system. As such, vestibular disorders are sometimes referred to as “problems of the inner ear.” Ohio State’s team is specially trained and certified in evaluating and treating dizziness and balance disorders.

Our Patients

Patients who come to this Ohio State rehabilitation program may experience symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo (feeling that you/your environment are moving or spinning)
  • Balance disorders
  • Double vision
  • Neck pain with dizziness

These conditions may contribute to the patient’s disorder:

  • Cervicogenic dizziness and pain
  • Dysfunctions of the inner ear (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo/BPPV, Meniere's disease, migraine-related dizziness, labrynthitis or neuronitis)
  • Neurological disorders, specifically diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves that include a dizziness or a balance component
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Surgically removed brain tumors
  • Traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries

Why choose The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center?

Ohio State’s Vestibular Disorders Rehabilitation Program can help people overcome dizziness and balance difficulties. Here’s why people with vestibular disorders choose Ohio State:

Personalized Care: You will receive a personal evaluation that helps create an individualized care plan to meet your needs and lead you toward your health goals. We will help you learn the skills and techniques you need to improve your abilities at work, home and social settings.

Unique Services: Our therapists use specialized Frenzel goggles and liquid-crystal display (LCD) video to record findings that assist in determining appropriate treatment. Our therapists, certified in Herdman Vestibular Treatment Approaches, are specially trained to evaluate, treat and manage conditions associated with vestibular dysfunctions that contribute to dizziness and balance disorders. We also have a therapist who is specially trained to treat cervicogenic dizziness with neck injury or pain.

Accredited Programs: We are proud that our Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs at Dodd Hall and our Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF recognizes our programs as meeting the highest standards in quality, safety and outcome measures, which provide risk-reduction and accountability in our patient care.

Nation’s Best: Ohio State’s rehabilitation program consistently ranks among the best in the nation. As an academic medical center, Ohio State offers comprehensive medical expertise, the most advanced technologies and treatment techniques, and innovative care backed by research knowledge.

Our Services

Our Services

This program offers rehabilitation services for patients after they have returned home from the hospital or another rehabilitation facility. These are known as outpatient services. These services help patients achieve their highest level of recovery.

Following a physician's referral, your treatment may include:

  • Video-recording of eye movements to assist in diagnosis and treatment of your condition
  • A personalized plan of care developed by our clinical team and reviewed on an ongoing basis
  • Exercise programs to improve range of motion, increase strength, improve flexibility and mobility and decrease dizziness
  • Patient and family education and counseling
  • Stress management and emotional support

 

Ohio State Vestibular Support Group

The Ohio State Vestibular Support Group is for individuals who are living with and seeking support for dizziness and balance issues related to a diagnosed vestibular system problem. 

The purpose: To provide an environment of support and encouragement where individuals can interact with others who are dealing with the challenges of chronic dizziness and imbalance.

Meetings will include educational presentations to help individuals understand how to live and cope with their symptoms, as well as identifying resources to aid in ongoing management. Caregivers or family members providing support for friends and loved ones living with vestibular disorders are also invited to attend.

Light refreshments provided.

When: Second Tuesday of every month, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Where: In order to protect the safety and well being of our participants during this COVID-19 crisis, meetings are currently being held virtually via an online video conferencing site.

Please contact Chaundra Catrone PT, MPT at chaundra.catrone@osumc.edu for information about joining this virtual meeting.

Treatment Team

Your Treatment Team

Your customized treatment plan is implemented by a team of specialists who may include:

  • Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians or physiatrists who specialize in helping people regain body functions lost due to medical conditions or injury
  • Neurologists who specialize in disorders of the nervous system
  • Internal medicine physicians and family practice physicians who specialize in the prevention and treatment of adult diseases
  • Physical therapists who specialize in helping patients achieve maximum strength, balance and mobility with additional training in vestibular disorders
  • Occupational therapists who specialize in improving patients’ ability to complete activities of daily living

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