Enhanced Rehabilitation Services Now Available at MPMC
12/30/2011
Enhanced Rehabilitation Services Now Available at MPMC
While dizziness is the third most common complaint to physicians, the most common cause for dizziness is some type of inner ear or “vestibular” disorder. As many as 42% of all adults will experience dizziness in their lifetime. Maria Parham Medical Center has had a Vestibular Rehabilitation program to help those suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders for quite a while. Recently however, they received a piece of equipment that will enable them to even better assess and treat this fairly common problem.
Maria Parham’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Department recently received a system, called “RealEyes” by Micromedical Technologies. It consists of a set of goggles, an infrared video camera, a laptop computer and special software to video and record involuntary eye movements and then display them on a computer screen.
A key component to assessing and developing the right treatment for each person who experiences dizziness is the ability to observe nystagmus. Nystagmus is the rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes due to abnormal input from the brain or the vestibular system (the inner ear). In some cases this movement of the eyes can be overcome by focusing vision on something stationary to reduce the feeling of dizziness or vertigo. The infrared video goggles used with the new technology block the patient’s view so that their eyes aren’t able to focus. At the same time, a small video camera in the goggles sends a greatly magnified picture of the patient’s eye to the computer screen. The eye movements are recorded and then analyzed. In looking at this information, the therapist can best put together a treatment program for the patient, because, with nystagmus, the direction, duration, consistency, and motions that provoke it can indicate the treatment options that will work best for each individual.
There are dozens of inner ear disorders that can cause dizziness. This system is not designed to diagnose the problem, but to assist with establishing the optimal treatment plan. The diagnosis and treatment of vestibular impairments can help patients avoid functional decline and disability. This new technology available at Maria Parham is an advancement towards optimal treatment options for this condition.
About Maria Parham Medical Center, A Duke LifePoint Hospital
Maria Parham Medical Center, located in Henderson, NC, is a regional hospital serving the people of north central North Carolina and Southside Virginia. As a Duke LifePoint Hospital, Maria Parham offers a combination of Duke University Health System’s unparalleled expertise in clinical excellence and quality care, and LifePoint Hospital’s extensive resources, knowledge and experience in operating community hospitals. Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the healthcare needs of the community. It is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and CMS. For more information about Maria Parham Medical Center, please call (252) 436-1800 or visit www.mariaparham.com.