Catherine Scully MISCP, Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapist. Midlands Consultants Clinic, Arden Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35A447
Vertigo or dizziness can be caused by BPPV and/or decompensations in the vestibular and other balance systems. Dizziness and vertigo become one of the most common reasons for GP visits and hospitalisation over the age of 65.
The vestibular system is the part of the inner ear and brain that is involved in processing information to control both balance and eye movement. Any disruption through illness (e.g. a virus ) or injury (e.g. sports related concussion) can cause positional vertigo, dizziness and balance issues. Other symptoms can include difficulty focusing, generalised unsteadiness, a rocking sensation (as if on a boat), unsteadiness in sitting, standing or when walking, difficulty focusing, difficulty walking, muscle tension, neck pain, headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and anxiety.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation? Vestibular Rehabilitation is a very successful, evidence based program that involves maneuvers for BPPV, tailored, progressive exercises and education to resolve symptoms as described above. It targets balance and overall quality of life and performance of work, school and life roles. A vestibular/balance system disorder can cause permanent deficits, so therapy is often designed to allow the brain compensate for these deficits which can occur for example as a result of an unresolved virus, concussion or an aging vestibular system. Research indicates 30% of people over 50 present with vestibular deficits, however it affects young and old e.g. a child following a playground fall or an older person with balance issues.
Conditions that can cause vertigo & dizziness include: BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), Vestibular Neuritis, Labyrinthitis, Concussion, Vestibular Migraine, Meniere’s Disease, Cervicogenic Vertigo​, poor balance due to aging and some diagnosed stable central lesions e.g., MS, Stroke.
How do I book?
You don’t need a referral to attend for physiotherapy, however you may have been previously assessed by your G.P. at some stage (either at this or a previous episode).
Please contact the clinic by phone (086 2440083) to see Catherine Scully, Vestibular Specialist Physiotherapist. Catherine has an advanced certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation from University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre.
The initial assessment is a one hour appointment. If you have been referred by your G.P. or consultant, don’t forget to bring your referral letter and also bring a list of any medications you are taking (both prescribed and over the counter).
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What should you expect?
Catherine will take a detailed history of your condition and will then use a series of tests to diagnose what is causing your vertigo, dizziness or balance problems. Treatment will start immediately and the type of treatment will depend on the diagnosis may include specific exercises and in many cases maneuvers including but not limited to Epley/ Gufoni maneuvers for BPPV . Occasionally the tests carried out at the first appointment may cause a brief increase in symptoms.
Duration of treatment depends on the diagnosis and clinical symptoms; some people may only be seen for 1-2 visits while others require 3-4 months of progressive exercise therapy and infrequent clinic visits to retrain the vestibular and balance systems and maximise overall sensory integration. Education in the nature of symptoms is essential to recovery. If further medical consultation or testing e.g. MRI/CT is required I will consult with the person’s own physician.
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How long will it take?
That depends on the diagnosis. The type of vestibular disorder will greatly dictate overall rate of recovery.
75% of patients require three appointments or fewer; while others require 3-4 months of progressive exercise therapy and infrequent clinic visits to retrain the vestibular and balance systems and maximise overall sensory integration. Education in the nature of symptoms is essential to recovery. If further medical consultation or testing e.g. MRI/CT is required I will consult with the person’s own physician. Most conditions resolve quickly with correct intervention but some disorders are considered unstable or progressive, which may take longer and have more limited recovery. Conditions affecting both ears may require additional time to recover. Engaging in aerobic and strengthening exercise to improve overall fitness can help promote recovery. Sometimes the exercises may initially cause an increase in symptoms as the brain and body adjust to the new movements. As you practice the exercises, your symptoms should decrease and your balance should improve.
Please do make contact if you are experiencing any side effects. I am here to support you along the way.
How can I help you?
Call 086 2440083 to book an appointment to see Catherine so she can help with your vertigo and/or other symptoms of balance and vestibular dysfunction.
Price List
Hour Long Assessment 120 euros
Review 45 minutes 80 euros
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ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
Maximize balance and functional
independence
TREATMENT & THERAPY
Patient-Centered Treatment
About Me
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Catherine is a Chartered Physiotherapist and a highly experienced clinician in the specialised fields of vestibular and post-concussion rehabilitation. She has completed advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation and regularly attends conferences and seminars related to vestibular dysfunction. She is a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Vestibular Rehabilitation. Catherine developed a special interest in vestibular rehabilitation in 2009 and has since successfully treated hundreds of people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, motion sensitivity and imbalance. She completed a concussion course in 2016 with the co-ordinator of vestibular rehabilitation for University of Pittsburgh, one of the largest concussion programs in the United States. She has since worked with many adults and children experiencing persistent symptoms post-concussion including disruption to performance of work, school, and life roles.
Catherine previously held the position of Senior Physiotherapist in the HSE where she assisted in the set up of the Community Rehabilitation Team, home based physiotherapy programs and falls prevention programs. In 2009 she instigated the vestibular rehabilitation service in Tullamore Primary Care. Since then, she has enjoyed developing this service and her own skillset in conjunction with her other roles in Primary Care, providing training to colleagues in Primary Care and MRHT in vestibular rehabilitation. She believes strongly in educating a person regarding their symptoms and using a holistic multi modal approach to rehabilitation. She gained valuable experience in neurology and musculoskeletal physiotherapy while working in Florida and Louisiana over a six year period following graduation from UCD.
Catherine is also a certified Pilates instructor with the Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Institute and has run various Pilates, balance and neuropilates classes in recent years. She believes in incorporating core Pilates principles into her exercise-based treatment where possible. She also previously worked in private practice in Florida, Tullamore, and Edenderry.