Today more than ever a growing number of people are experiencing the frustration and health risks related to a balance disorder--increased risk of falling and decreased functional abilities that force curtailment of even simple daily activities such as bathing and driving. 

As clinical experts know, a multiplicity of disease processes including Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, neuropathy, stroke, unexplained dizziness, vertigo, joint replacement, and sports injuries are associated with balance and mobility impairments. As a result, clinically effective successful balance programs are using sophisticated equipment to quickly assess and manage these patients who are balance impaired.

Many of these multidisciplinary balance programs rely on innovative balance systems developed by NeuroCom^® International Inc., an international leader in balance and mobility since 1984. Originally developed in conjunction with NASA to test balance in astronauts, NeuroCom's technology provides an objective, evidence-based approach to balance assessments and the customization of treatment plans for patients with balance or mobility impairments. 

Currently, there are more than 2,000 facilities worldwide utilizing NeuroCom's family of balance disorder systems. Based in Portland, OR, NeuroCom's innovative, evidence-based technology provides objective data that can track progress throughout treatment.

NeuroCom's standardized protocols enable clinical experts to share objective data from the initial visit throughout the patients' continuum of care as to whether rehabilitation strategies are working, drug therapy needs to be modified, or an athlete recovering from a concussion can safely be returned to the game.

"NeuroCom provides clear documented evidence that focuses on a patient's balance and mobility problems," says Jon F. Peters, PhD, vice president and general manager, NeuroCom. "You can show someone exactly what the nature of the problem is by demonstrating that a person has excellent balance control at times with the exception of a problem in a particular sensory system. That one problem causes the whole balance system to be dysfunctional."

Because NeuroCom's technology provides objective data, clinical experts do not have to rely solely on the subjectivity of their patients' descriptions or observational assessments. This type of objective, evidence-based feedback is also useful in determining levels of disability and whether someone is ready to return to work. NeuroCom technology is used in dedicated balance programs and centers as well as by physicians in private practice, home health professionals, hospitals, senior and assisted living centers, and community programs throughout the country

The basis of all NeuroCom systems is a small (18" x 18") medical grade force plate. The patient stands on the plate, while a clinical expert analyzes data provided in real time on an adjacent computer monitor. More sophisticated systems equipped with a moveable surround, a moveable force plate, and a longer-force plate can be configured to provide more in-depth assessment and customized rehabilitation.

"Having the NeuroCom equipment has completely changed my practice," says Gina Sauro, physical therapist, supervisor of outpatient physical therapy at New York Presbyterian Hospital. "I don't know if I could ever practice again without it. It's as close as therapists can get to diagnosing an impairment. It objectifies a balance problem . and then is invaluable in helping us know when to discharge."   

For more information: 800-767-6744, www.onbalance.com, admin@onbalance.com.

SOURCE: NeuroCom^® International Inc.