I would like to see if you have any insight into my situation. I have had VN with a unilateral hypofunction. VNG showed 99% loss in the right ear. It all started in March 2006. I've gone through several bouts of vestiublar rehab. My problem is that I cannot statically focus my eyes for more than 2-3 seconds at a time. I have involuntary lateral movement of my eyes (not nystagmus) after a few seconds. This creates a constant "dizziness"; not a true vertigo or spinning, but the illusion that the world is constantly moving. This is 24 hrs a day. It worsens with activity, visual stim, at times, but I recover relatively quickly. But the constant feeling is always there and I think due to the eyes. I am a pediatric PT working in an SI gym (ironic, huh?) and so am around A LOT of general visual and vestibular stimulation. None of the PTs, neuros, neuroot, etc have had any advice for me. Homeopathy got me out an acute stage that happened last nov-january, but its not getting me all the way better.

I would appreciate any input you may have.

Joni

bringing this to the top

Hello.
Sorry for not responding sooner, I did not see the post. How are you feeling now? I think we talked about this on a different post?
Are you able to focus any longer? How is work going for you? Getting any easier?
All the best,
M

I see your in NJ. Call up the Rusk Institute in New York City. They specialize in physical therapy for balance and dizziness. There is such a thing as physical therapy for the eyes in relation to dizziness. They may be able to give you some information about physical therapy for the eyes.

Hello.
Sorry for not responding sooner, I did not see the post. How are you feeling now? I think we talked about this on a different post?
Are you able to focus any longer? How is work going for you? Getting any easier?
All the best,
M

Hi Michelle. I did see your post on another thread. Thanks! Things are a bit worse because I've been upping the rehab, but I expected that. I have found that I can do the X1 exercise if I am far away and can keep the letter stable. I realized that since my eyes don't converge closer than a foot away I am fighting an uphill battle trying to hold it in front of me!

Have you had any clients needing vision therapy in addition to or prior to vestib rehab? I have a history of vision probs from when I was a kid. Had sx for cross eyes and had vision therapy later for double vision and other probs. It never affected me as an adult though. With the VN I think it affected the compensation process. Have you seen that before?

Doing the x1 exercises are a good start. Start far away - even tape it on the wall and gradually move closer (an inch or two at a time.)

One of my favorite people to refer to is a vision specialist. She is a neuro-optometrist. We collaborate on patients together often. With what you have described, you may benefit from seeing someone with her credentials. Have you seen anyone like that?
All the best,
Michele

I saw an optometrist that I am scheduled to start vision therapy next month. My concern is that the optometrist isn't going to understand my vestibular-related vision problems just like my PTs haven't understood how my vision has affected my rehab. Maybe I should be looking for someone with has worked with more of a medical population?

Like I said in another post, its SO hard to find COMPETENT professionals like you. You can tell by the swarms of questions folks on here have for you. I did find someone from the APTA certified specialist database that was a neuro cert. specialist with a vestib specialty listed. I figured this was a good way to find someone really good. We emailed a few times and she was very helpful, but I don't know if it makes sense to try another round of PT or to just do it on my own?

Joni

The optometrist is a good idea - find out their credentials and challenge them to help you.

Checking the APTA website is good, call around to find out what the "vestibular rehabilitation program" means. Ask about the success rates and if you can talk to other patients that they have treated with the same problems. It is a little more work on their part due to HIPPA, but it can be done. Also, ask how many patients they typically see. These questions will give you some indications as to the knowledge level of your professional. The VEDA website is a good general resource, too.