Dizziness doesn’t have to be part of aging!

    Deborah Heart and Lung Center recently opened a new Balance Center designed to diagnosis and treat dizziness or balance issues. These two symptoms alone, especially in the elderly population, are among the most common causes of injuries and hospitalization in the United States. Dizziness and the resulting falls cause many broken bones, brain injuries and accidental deaths each year. Deborah’s new Balance Center uses a team approach to identify the source of the problem and implement the best treatment options, offering the latest screening and diagnostic testing services to assess dizziness and balance impairments. These painless evaluations can quickly pinpoint the many causes of these problems.

    Deborah’s Respiratory Director, John Hill, R.R.T, says the new Balance Center is a welcome addition to the hospital’s services. “We’ve been seeing an increasing number of patients with lightheadedness and dizziness,” says Hill. “Opening the Balance Center was a priority for Deborah. We’ve made sure it meets Joint Commission patient safety initiatives and is a comprehensive quality patient care program.”

    Hill says that typically, patients are referred to the Balance Center because of similar symptoms including dizziness, lightheadedness and problems judging distance. Specific tests performed include nystagmography, ocular motility, optokinetic nystagmus, positional nystagmus and caloric tests.

    “People shouldn’t take for granted that dizzy spells are a natural part of aging,” he adds. “Most of the time, the patient has a treatable condition that simply hasn’t been diagnosed yet.” To learn more about the Balance Center, call 609-893-1200, ext 4390 or 4392. For an appointment, call 1-800-632-6807, ext 297.