Author: McKenzie DiStefano
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Children and Vestibular Disorders: What Parents Need to Know
Vestibular disorders in children can be challenging to recognize and address, as their symptoms often overlap with other common conditions. However, understanding these disorders and their impact can empower parents to support their children in navigating the unique challenges they face. This blog explores the nature of vestibular disorders in children, their effects, and actionable…
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The Autonomic Nervous System’s Role in Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo, a sensation of spinning or dizziness, can be a distressing experience. For many individuals, understanding the root causes of vertigo is the first step toward effective management. One often-overlooked component is the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This blog will explore how the ANS contributes to vertigo symptoms and what this means…
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Concussions and Vestibular Symptoms: Understanding the Link
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can lead to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Among these, vestibular dysfunction is a common yet often overlooked consequence. Understanding the pathology and physiology of these symptoms, recognizing triggers, and learning to manage them effectively are crucial steps in the recovery process.…
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Understanding Vestibular Migraines: A Comprehensive Guide
Vestibular migraines (VM) are a neurological condition characterized by episodes of vertigo and dizziness, often accompanied by migraine symptoms. This blog post provides an overview of the diagnosis criteria, underlying physiology and pathology, risk factors, and available treatment options for VM, supported by research references. Disclaimer This information is for educational purposes only and is…
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Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD): Understanding Diagnosis, Pathology, and Treatment Options
Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic vestibular disorder characterized by non-rotational dizziness, unsteadiness, and hypersensitivity to visual stimuli. While not life-threatening, it significantly affects quality of life, making it crucial for clinicians and patients to understand its diagnosis, pathology, and treatment options. History of PPPD and Its Previous Names The journey to recognizing…
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Why I Typically Don’t Use Brandt’s Habituation Exercises for BPPV
McKenzie DiStefano PT/DPT Overview of Brandt-Daroff Exercises Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder that causes sudden episodes of dizziness and vertigo. One treatment that often comes up is the Brandt-Daroff exercise, a set of habituation exercises aimed at reducing vertigo symptoms. While these exercises are a well-known recommendation, I prefer other…
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Why Vitamin D is Important for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
McKenzie DiStefano PT/DPT Vitamin D plays a significant role in overall health, particularly in maintaining bone and immune system health. Recent research suggests that vitamin D may also be important in managing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a vestibular disorder that causes sudden, brief episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation) triggered by specific head movements. reasons…
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Understanding the Vestibular System: Anatomy, Pathology, and Treatment of BPPV and Other Disorders
McKenzie DiStefano PT/DPT Introduction In the whirlwind of life, it’s easy to take balance for granted—until the world starts spinning. The vestibular system, located deep within the inner ear, is responsible for maintaining our sense of balance and spatial orientation. When something goes wrong with this system, symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo can occur.…
Vestibular Healing Insights 