Local
Norwalk Hospital presents free program on "Dizziness Disorders"
By Norwalk Hospital
Aug 25, 2008 - 1:49:35 PM

Norwalk, CT - "Dizziness and Equilibrium Disorders: Bringing Your Life Back into Balance" is the topic of a free community education program to be held at Norwalk Hospital during "Balance Awareness Week," which is September 14-20, 2008.

The presentation will take place on Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 P.M. in the Richard S. Perkin Auditorium. Robert L. Weiss, MD, FACS, of Weston, otolaryngologist at Norwalk Hospital, and Director of Hearing and Balance Associates of Fairfield County, and Elizabeth Klumac of Stamford, and Karin Sawyer of Westport, physical therapists and clinical specialists with Rehabilitation Services of Norwalk Hospital, are the featured speakers.

Dizziness is the second most common complaint that people mention to their doctors. Symptoms of balance disorders may include nausea, concentration and memory trouble, hearing loss, tinnitus, fatigue, visual disturbances and headache. Balance problems can lead to fall-related injuries, depression, anxiety and social isolation.

The good news is that most causes of dizziness are detectable and treatable. Balance problems and vertigo ? common conditions especially in the elderly - are in large part treatable conditions when managed and evaluated properly. "Patients should never be told that they should just learn to live with it," according to Dr. Weiss. The expertise and technology now exist to provide high quality, comprehensive evaluation and successful intervention to improve many conditions along the disequilibrium spectrum. And often, according to Dr. Weiss, the treatments do not involve medications or surgery. Outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation can often help return patients to a full and unrestricted life.

Elizabeth Klumac and Karin Sawyer will discuss the role of the rehabilitation team in assisting people with dizziness disorders. Rehabilitation Services of Norwalk Hospital offers a very highly-regarded outpatient vestibular rehabilitation program. It is estimated that approximately 9 percent of Americans 65 and older have reported problems with balance. With an aging population living longer, health issues regarding the body's balance system are increasing. Norwalk Hospital physical therapists work with individuals with vestibular disorders to help control symptoms of dizziness and strengthen balance so that they may lead more active lives.

Following a thorough evaluation based on the physician's order, the Norwalk Hospital rehabilitation team develops a personalized treatment program for the patient designed to address the injury to the peripheral vestibular and central nervous system and the specific goals of the patient.

About the speakers

Dr. Weiss is a board certified otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon. After graduating summa cum laude from Adelphi University, he received his MD Degree from Penn State University College of Medicine. He completed a residency in surgery and in otolaryngology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Weiss trained at the Schneider's Children's Hospital in New Hyde Parke, NY.

Following his residency training, he served as a medical officer in the United States Air Force where he received the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal. His military medical experience treating Air Force pilots and crew helped develop his insight and clinical understanding of the inner workings of the inner ear and sinuses. During that period, Dr. Weiss also held a position as teaching faculty in the Otolaryngology Department of Louisiana State University Medical Center. He is in private practice in Norwalk and devotes much of his time to the treatment of balance and dizziness disorders.

Ms. Klumac is a licensed physical therapist specializing in the treatment of neurological and vestibular disorders. She graduated with her Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy from Wolverhampton School of Physiotherapy in England, and with her Advanced Masters degree in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University. Ms. Sawyer is a licensed physical therapist specializing in the treatment of orthopedic and vestibular disorders. She graduated with her Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy from New York University and is currently working towards obtaining her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. Both Ms. Klumac and Ms. Sawyer have close to 20 years of clinical experience each, and have worked in a wide variety of settings, including hospital inpatients, skilled nursing facilities, home care and outpatients. They have both received advanced training in the treatment of patients with dizziness and balance disorders, and focus most of their time in the outpatient clinic working with this population.

For more information about this program, call Norwalk Hospital at 1-866-NHB-WELL or visit the website at www.norwalkhospital.org.

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