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It feels like your brain can't hold up your body. I couldn't see my friends and crowds made me dizzy. I could barely understand a word people said to me," says Lauren, a youth vestibular concussion patient.
Portland, OR (PRWEB) August 10, 2016
When left undetected, concussions can result in damage to the inner ear and brain and lead to chronic vestibular disorders, which impact balance, learning, social interactions and the ability to perform everyday tasks. The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) Youth Concussion-Vestibular Connection campaign bridges the awareness, information and treatment gap for youth and their parents, coaches, teachers and healthcare professionals.
Highlighting the campaign is a video featuring Lauren, a teenage vestibular concussion patient who is currently battling back from multiple concussions to start college. Also featured are recently retired NHL captain and veteran player, Bryce Salvador, who suffered lingering vestibular issues from an injury. Dr. Michael Hoffer, NFL grant recipient researching advanced vestibular diagnostic tools at the University of Miami Health System and Jim Buskirk, PT, SCS, explain vestibular rehabilitation treatment and finding medical help. In addition to the video, other resources available include an infographic, professional white paper, power point teaching presentation, and awareness flyer. A live webinar on the topic with Dr. Hoffer and Jim Buskirk will be held during Balance Awareness Week, September 12-18th.
“The effects of dizziness and imbalance from injury can go misdiagnosed or even disregarded and can last much longer than more well known concussion symptoms, which was my case,” says Salvador, now a VEDA advocate and chair for Balance Awareness Week. “It was a year total before I was able to play again. But there is hope. I played arguably some of the best hockey of my career after going through vestibular rehabilitation.”
"As kids go back to school and sports over the next month, we saw a need to educate them and their support networks about vestibular problems that can result from head injuries. The materials prepare kids to play safely so they can continue to enjoy the sports they love,” says Cynthia Ryan, VEDA Executive Director.
VEDA is the leading international organization that people turn to for help with vestibular (inner ear and brain) disorders. VEDA is an authoritative source of information that is clear, reliable, and scientifically objective. VEDA supports people with vestibular disorders by connecting them to health care specialists and support networks and promotes awareness for vestibular disorders through testimony and advocacy.
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