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Company
Profile...
Specializing
in evaluating and treating all forms of dizziness and balance disorders.
360° Balance
7900
Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78757
Tel: 512-345-4664 Request
Information
360° Balance
is Austin's only center devoted to the evaluation and treatment of vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders.
We have created a balance center that excels in both diagnostics and physical therapy as they relate to neurological disorders, vestibular disorders, mild head injuries, hearing loss and high fall risk. We want to differentiate ourselves from most "hearing and balance centers" as they typically are focused on selling hearing aids.
Our focus is on balance, dizziness and vertigo. We offer advanced diagnostic testing and unsurpassed physical therapy evaluations for people suffering from these often debilitating disorders.
Diagnosing & Treating the Problem
At 360° Balance, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools to quickly and accurately identify the source of the patient's complaints. We offer testing that is not available elsewhere in the area. Testing is painless and non-invasive.
The balance therapy or vestibular rehabilitation program will be tailored to the individual's specific findings as identified from the evaluation and diagnostics performed. Studies show that a rehabilitation program customized for a patient results in 85% resolution of symptoms versus less than 50% when medication alone or a general treatment approach is used. In addition, the average therapy duration drops from 11-14 weeks, to only 4-8 weeks.We take a one-on-one, hands on approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Balance Retraining Therapy
What is it?
Balance Retraining Therapy (BRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy to decrease, if not eliminate, primary
symptoms of movement-related dizziness and imbalance through a customized "hands-on" approach. Additional symptoms addressed in therapy may include decreased strength, loss of range-of-motion, muscle tension, anxiety and fatigue.
What does Balance Retraining Therapy Involve?
The initial evaluation should be performed by a specialist and may include the following:
- A thorough history of the patient's symptoms and past medical history
- A musculoskeletal assessment for strength, range-of-motion, flexibility
and soft tissue dysfunction
- Neurological testing (e.g., reflexes, proprioception and sensation)
- Assessment of eye and head movements (including video recordings)
- Balance and specialized vestibular tests (in walking and standing)
- Customized plan of care, including a home exercise program
Vestibular / Balance Testing
The Vestibular Autorotation Test (VAT) is used to assess the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR). The VOR is a system that helps us visually track objects while we are moving our head and/or body. The VAT allows us to look at the speed and timing of the VOR to determine if the system is working correctly. When the VOR is not working correctly, vision can be distorted and balance is affected. VOR
abnormalities are often the cause of dizziness when all other systems are working correctly. This test takes about 30 minutes including preparation time.
Computerized Platform Testing is used to assess the three primary sensory contributions to our balance: inner ear, eyes, and sense of touch. This test addresses balance on both stable and unstable surfaces, as well as in both static and dynamic visual environments. This test takes approximately 15 minutes.
Electronystagmography (ENG) is a series of tests performed to assess activity
of the inner ear and the pathways to higher areas in the brain. This test is divided into several categories: Ocular Motor testing consists of tracking a series of lights; Positional/Positioning testing puts the patient in a series of different
positions to elicit any abnormal responses; and Biothermal Caloric Irrigations,
which involves putting both cold and warm air in each ear and measuring the response of each inner ear for comparison. This test take approximately 1 hour including preparation time. Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
What is involved in the evaluation?
The initial evaluation will include a detailed intake of the patient's past medical history and current complaints. Special tests include eye movements using video, computerized balance testing, coordination of eye and head movements and evaluation of balance during walking. Additional testing may include strength, range of motion, and flexibility.
How long is a typical therapy session?
A visit usually lasts one hour and will be one-on-one with a physical therapist that is specially trained in dizziness and balance disorders. The average number of visits is seven. However, this varies according to the patient's needs and may range from 2-15 visits.
What kinds of exercises are done?
The treatment plan may include a variety of exercises that focus on balance, eye and head
coordination, strength, range-of-motion, muscle tension, endurance and specific exercises to decrease, if not eliminate, dizziness. Exercises are customized to each person based on the patient's complaints and findings from the intial evaluation.
Will the exercise make me worse?
The exercises do NOT make the condition worse but a patient can have an increase in symptoms with the exercises. The increases in these symptoms are only temporary.
How long until the dizziness/imbalance improves?
Balance may improve within the first 2-3 weeks, depending on the severity of the problem. However, resolution of dizziness and other secondary symptoms may take longer. Medications, illness, stress, and allergies can also affect the rate of recovery.
Will my insurance cover these services?
360° Balance is on the majority of insurance plans and we will file your insurance. Any out of pocket expenses will be determined prior to the visit. Most insurance companies require a physician's referral. About Us
360° Balance is the only comprehensive balance center (providing both diagnostic and rehabilitative services) in the Austin area. We specialize in the evaluation and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders.
About Bridgett Wallace, PT and Owner:
- Licensed physical therapist who holds a competency-based certification in
vestibular rehabilitation
- Received degrees from Texas Tech University and Southwest Texas State
University
- Co-authored two U.S. patents related to the diagnosis and treatment of
vestibular disorders
- Provides 20+ continuing education courses nationwide annually
- Member of the American Physical Therapy Association
- Practice Chair for the Texas Physical Therapy Association
- Legislative consultant for the Ear Foundation of Texas
- Published in the Boston Globe
About Kathy Samaniego, AuD:
- Board Certified Doctor of Audiology
- Member of the American Academy of Audiology since 2000
- Member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association since 2000
- Certified by the American Board of Audiology
- Special interests in audiology include auditory processing and vestibular
disorders.
- Licensed to fit and dispense hearing aids
Reasons to Call 360° Balance
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Tinnitus (ringing/noises in the ear)
- Imbalance or unsteadiness
- Hearing loss
- Decreased concentration
- Foggy or fuzzy headedness
- Decreased range of motion and/or muscular strength
- Vestibular disorder
- Neurological disorder
- Post mild head injury/concussion
- High risk for falls
If you suffer from
vertigo, dizziness and/or imbalance…THERE’S HELP!
Please
call 360
Balance Diagnostics and Therapy today at (512) 345-4664 or
complete our Request for Information form below.
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