VeDA is a leading non-profit organization helping people with dizziness and balance disorders. They provide a wealth of resources, including a provider directory to find vestibular specialists, support groups, and educational materials on various vestibular conditions. VeDA also advocates for increased awareness and research to improve the lives of those affected by vestibular disorders.
Resources
The Vestibular Rehabilitation Special Interest Group (VR SIG) is part of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT), a professional organization for physical therapists specializing in neurological conditions.
The VR SIG focuses on supporting and educating physical therapists and assistants who help people with dizziness and balance problems. They provide resources and a network for clinicians to improve their skills and knowledge in treating vestibular disorders. Essentially, they are experts dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with vestibular challenges.
https://www.neuropt.org/special-interest-groups/vestibular-rehabilitation
Vestibular First was founded by Dr. Helena Esmonde, PT, DPT, NCS, a physical therapist specializing in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation, and her husband, Patrick Esmonde, MSE, an engineer. Driven by a mission to make vestibular diagnostics more accessible, they developed affordable and innovative video Frenzel goggles. These goggles are crucial tools for accurately diagnosing and treating dizziness and balance disorders by allowing clinicians to observe eye movements in a darkened environment. By providing this technology at a lower cost, Vestibular First is helping to improve the quality of care for patients with vestibular conditions.
The MdDS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those with Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS), a neurological condition causing a persistent sensation of rocking or swaying. They focus on raising awareness about MdDS, supporting research to find treatments and a cure, and providing resources and support to patients and their families. Their website, mddsfoundation.org, is a hub of information about the syndrome, offering support and connecting patients with resources and the latest research developments.
The Bárány Society, founded in 1960 by Dr. C.S. Hallpike and Professor C.O. Nylén, serves as a global meeting ground for scientists and clinicians passionate about vestibular research. Named in honor of Robert Bárány, a Nobel Prize winner for his pioneering work on the vestibular system, the society fosters international collaboration and knowledge sharing. It is dedicated to advancing the field of neurotology by supporting research, education, and the development of standardized best practices for diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders. Ultimately, the Bárány Society strives to improve the lives of individuals affected by dizziness and balance problems worldwide.
Virtualis VR is a French company that develops virtual reality solutions for healthcare professionals. They offer a suite of VR products designed to aid in rehabilitating patients with various conditions, including neurological, orthopedic, and vestibular disorders. Their immersive VR programs, such as PhysioVR, BalanceVR, and MotionVR, provide engaging and motivating environments for patients to perform therapeutic exercises, improving their balance, coordination, and overall functional abilities. Virtualis VR aims to revolutionize traditional rehabilitation practices by offering innovative and practical tools that enhance patient engagement and promote better recovery outcomes.
Vesticam is a company founded by a vestibular physiotherapist, Suzanne Douglas, to address the need for user-friendly and affordable video frenzel goggles. These goggles are used to assess dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders by recording eye movements.
Recognizing the limitations of existing technology, Douglas developed Vesticam, offering lightweight, portable, and smartphone-compatible goggles. Since their initial launch in 2018, Vesticam has continued to improve its product with upgraded features and a streamlined design.
Committed to supporting the vestibular community, Vesticam provides educational resources, donates goggles to universities and health workers, and offers discounts to professionals. They also publish a quarterly newsletter, VestiCOMMS, with updates on vestibular research and events.