Therapy Corner
Finding A Balance
February 12th, 2023
By Amy Wilcott, M.S. CCC-SLP
Imagine experiencing frequent dizziness, light-headedness, or blurred vision. Now imagine experiencing those symptoms as a toddler learning to walk or a child playing on the playground. This is the unfortunate reality for children with vestibular disorders.
The Pediatric Place is committed to providing expert pediatric therapy services to West-Central Missouri, and physical therapist Anna Rosales, DPT has completed specialized training through the Mid America Balance Institute enabling her to provide vestibular and balance evaluations and intervention.
What are vestibular disorders?
Vestibular disorders affect the balance system of the inner ear and brain. They can result from head trauma and concussions, central and peripheral nerve dysfunction, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPV), serous otitis media (SOM), vestibular migraines/headaches, vestibular neuritis, infectious labyrinthitis, damage to the inner ear, fall related injuries, and more.
A child with a vestibular disorder is likely to present with a range of signs and symptoms, including progressive gross motor delay, sensory disorganization, postural instability, gaze instability, difficulties with visual tracking and reading, poor perception of motion and verticality, headaches, dizziness, and balance deficits.
What does vestibular therapy entail?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy creates individualized programs focusing on gaze stability and visual tracking exercises, static and dynamic balance exercises, facilitation of gross motor skills, and/or habitation of symptoms.
At times, addressing the root of these balance problems is not an easy task. Kids dealing with vestibular disorders often begin therapy feeling off-centered and sometimes in pain, and the therapy process requires reproduction of their symptoms in order to make progress.
“I have to always remind them that they may feel dizzy and queasy but it is only temporary,” Anna explained. “By doing this, it is helping their brain learn and understand how their body is moving so they don’t feel icky anymore.”
Through her dedication to providing evidence-based, high-quality vestibular therapy, Anna has seen kids overcome obstacles and increase independence. She and the rest of our physical team are empowering children and their families in our community each day.
Quick Links
Open Hours
- Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Get In Touch
- Email: info@thepediatricplacellc.com
- 210 S. 2nd St. Clinton, MO 64735
- 1800 W. Irish Lane Knob Noster, MO 65336