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A healthy person usually takes their sense of balance for granted. Good balance is just as important to quality of life as the sense of touch, sight, hearing, taste or smell. Without it, people of all ages cannot effectively do all the things that people with normal balance can do, such as working, driving, playing or participating in sports.
But one fall could change it all.
No one expects to have an accident. Who would take care of your kids? How would you pay your bills? Who is going to wait on YOU? Loss of income, inability to take care of your family or having to be dependent on others are the all too painful results of a fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury related visits to the ER with higher rates of visits for people under the age of 15 (cheerleading, gymnastics, athletic injuries, etc.) and those over 65. Falling injuries cost the United States over 100 billion dollars per year. They are prevalent, dangerous, costly and preventable.
“Well, I’m just clumsy!”
Many would simply label themselves as clumsy when they trip, stumble or bump into things. Most falls-risk people are asymptomatic and don’t present with complaints so they are not identified until it’s too late. Medical experts stress that routine screenings, assessments and treatment are absolutely necessary to help prevent falls.
What can I do now to make sure that I won’t be a statistic?
Balance problems can be the first sign of such serious health problems as:
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Brain tumors
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Parkinson’s disease
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Multiple sclerosis
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Strokes
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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Traumatic head injuries
Identifying persons with abnormal balance can be invaluable in the early detection of other serious medical conditions.
The early warning signs of balance disorders go virtually undetected but can readily be seen on a CAPS machine (Comprehensive Assessment Postural Systems). It consists of an extremely sensitive force platform with specially designed software which is able to measure the otherwise imperceptible movements a person is always making when they are standing even though they appear to be still.
The CAPS can detect abnormal balance in a person in 25 seconds and instantly compares that person’s results to normative data. A report is generated that quantifies the person’s balance score indicating brain harmony or instability. Similar to how an MRI reconstructs images, CAPS analyzes the data and formulates all statistics that can be derived including overall stability, risk of fall, sway directions and frequencies, fatigue, etc. It quickly becomes apparent that this information can be used in the determination of a treatment plan as well as to monitor the results of treatment of its effectiveness.
“If my balance score is abnormal, what is thenext step?”
We will take a medical history, check your vision, perform a simple hearing test and do a physical examination which includes testing reflexes, sensations, muscle strength and tone, coordination, gait and stance. Then we will do a series of balance tests using the CAPS platform. We will review the results to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Our Patients Speak:
I have had vertigo for the past 2 years and have seen several specialists. I had to stop driving and was unable to work. Dr. Ellis helped me get my life back, I can drive again and I am back to work. Thanks, Dr. Ellis!
Liz B. Marietta, GA
When I came to Dr. Ellis I was having balance and mobility problems due to Parkinson’s. Now I can go out in public confidently and am less dependent on others.
J.D. Atlanta, GA
There is no doubt about it – fall prevention is a necessary part of any wellness program for people of all ages. That’s why Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center is taking a proactive approach to fall prevention and rehabilitation. As a community service project we intend to screen as many people as possible for free. Balance screening saves countless dollars, emotional and physical pain, and most importantly it saves lives.
Call today for your free computerized balance screening. 770 664.4288
“Balance and wholeness are the greatest gifts that I can give to myself.” Charles Cannon
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