September 9, 2021 - One decade... be present.

It’s been a decade since I got sick. I didn’t know then, that night, that my life was dramatically changed. I’ve done therapies, and they’ve...

September 10th 2016 Nearly 900 and counting!

To listen: copy and paste into Google Translate, click the "speaker" icon.

That number refers to signatures collected for the WHO petition Vestibular patients for 'smarter doctors' and 'better patient care'.  If you haven't seen it yet, check the link at the bottom of this post, click to sign and then share it!  First read (or listen :-) ) to this, because I want to tell you why this petition is so important. 

Despite the limitations I have, in a way, I'm one of the lucky ones.  I "only" had to wait not quite two years for my complete diagnoses.  I found the correct treatment, and am able to manage my disorders.  But I know that there are literally millions of people out there who DON'T have their diagnoses yet.  They don't know what's wrong with them, which can be terrifying, and makes it very difficult to know what to do.

We need more medical professionals with proper training in vestibular disorders.  Vertigo and dizziness are symptoms of disorders that can be very difficult to diagnose, but not impossible.  Accurate diagnosis is possible when the professional understands the basics of ALL the components involved - inner ear, proprioceptors, brain and eyes - and can (and will) make referrals when it is warranted.

An ENT needs to know that there is more to balance than the inner ear.  An optometrist or ophthalmologist needs to know that balance problems can result when there are functional, neurological vision problems (it's NOT just about acuity and disease).  Brain injury from concussion can result in treatable balance problems.  ER doctors need to know what to look for when someone comes in with a severe case of vertigo, a common reason for visits to the ER.  The list goes on.

The key is early, proper detection with appropriate follow up care.  The sensory system of balance is not something to be ignored.  The common diagnosis of BPPV occasionally goes away on its' own, but frequently does not, and requires proper treatment.  And doctors need to know what to look for, because there often is something else going on other than BPPV.  Accurate, quick diagnosis matters, because balance matters.  Problems that people report are real, and medical professionals need to know what to look for, and what to recommend.

So as Balance Awareness Week approaches, and you want to be a part of working for positive change, please look at the petition.   Whether you have a balance disorder, or someone you care about does.  Sign it - just click the link, and click to sign! Then  share it - e-mail it, post it on whatever social media you use.  Each and every signature counts, so help us spread the word, and thank you for your support!

UPDATE: we're over 900 signatures!! Thank you - keep them coming in!!

"Goal 
We aim to give vestibular / neurovestibular patients a better chance for swift and accurate diagnosis, a cure or appropriate treatment. We ask for a worldwide agreement on education of medical students, further training for existing specialists and the establishment of medical guidelines regarding vestibular conditions / disorders." 


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One Response to September 10th 2016 Nearly 900 and counting!

  1. Excellent blog, Congrats to the Web Master, nice colors and text.
    Thanks for sharing your knowledge. God bless you.

    Apricot Marmalade Recipe

    Great post. Thanks for sharing!!!! Greetings from Venezuela.

    ReplyDelete

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