StabilityLAB

Posturographic sensory ratios provide evidence for neuroplasticity after computerized vestibular rehabilitation therapy in a single group interventional trial

Eytan A. David, MD, FRCSC, Navid Shahnaz, PhD

Therapies

Concussion Treatment

Common symptoms of a concussion include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and even loss of consciousness.

StabilityLAB’s comprehensive retraining sessions help those suffering from concussions regain their balance and improve their quality of life.

With the help of the latest technologies in Artificial
Intelligence StabilityLAB has developed an innovative
treatment option to treat symptoms of a concussion.

Concussions, often resulting from sudden
blows or impacts to the head, can have
significant and varied effects on an individual’s
well-being. Computerized vestibular retraining
therapy (CVRT) can manage concussions by
aiding in symptom alleviation, balance restoration,
and ultimately facilitate a smoother
path to recovery.

Our non-invasive solution helps people regain their stability for an improved quality of life.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) typically caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head or body, leading to the brain’s rapid movement within the skull. This movement can result in temporary changes in brain function, leading to various symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and sometimes loss of consciousness.

Concussions can occur in various contexts, including sports injuries, falls, vehicle accidents, or physical assaults. It is crucial to seek medical attention if a concussion is suspected, as proper management and rest are essential for recovery and to prevent potential long-term complications.

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Unilateral vestibular deficits can arise due to infection, inflammation, vascular disorders, or trauma. Recent studies have shown computerized vestibular retraining was associated with improved patient-reported disability, increased area of their functional stability region, and improved objective posturographic measures

David & Shahnaz, 2022

Dynamic posturography after computerized vestibular retraining for stable unilateral vestibular deficits

Eytan A. David and Navid Shahnaz

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What is CVRT?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a form of physical therapy used to treat vestibular disorders or symptoms. Exercises are designed to reduce or eliminate issues affecting overall stability and daily function.

One newer approach to vestibular rehabilitation is computerized dynamic posturography–assisted vestibular retraining, or “computerized vestibular retraining therapy” (CVRT) for short. This is a non-invasive technique that uses interactive technology to support balance retraining.

The technology measures how your sensory systems are helping you stay upright in different conditions. Training exercises become more challenging as you move through treatment to improve your overall stability.

Who is a Candidate
for CVRT Concussion Treatment?

Continued reports of imbalance, sensitivity to motion, or dizziness persisting despite undergoing vestibular rehabilitation interventions. Vertigo, or sustained vertigo resulting from a concussion.

Treatment of concussion using CVRT offers several benefits:

Improved Balance

CVRT exercises target the vestibular system, aiding in the restoration of balance and stability, which may be impaired following a concussion.

Symptom Management

CVRT can help alleviate symptoms commonly associated with concussions, such as dizziness, vertigo, and visual disturbances, by promoting central nervous system adaptation and compensation.

Faster Recovery

By engaging in tailored CVRT protocols, individuals with concussions experience expedited recovery times, enabling them to return to daily activities, work, and sports sooner.

Personalized Approach

CVRT programs can be customized to address each individual’s specific symptoms and functional deficits, ensuring targeted and effective rehabilitation tailored to their unique needs.

Stability is how
efficiently and safely
forces can be transmitted through our bodies.

To avoid injury, Stability is the key ingredient.

The Diagnostic Battery for Concussion Treatment

Objective tests of balance function will determine the type of therapy required

Based on the pattern of intake test results, a comprehensive and personalized multi-modal computerized vestibular retraining treatment plan (the DaVID Concussion Protocol) is delivered over twelve 40 minute sessions.

Bone Conduction Vestibular Stimulation (BCVS) is used as a noninvasive method to stimulate the vestibular system. Concussion treatment and pre/post treatment objective stability metrics are provided for all products.

oVEMP (Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential)

Objective measurement of inner ear gravity sensor function

cVEMP (Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential)

Objective measurement of inner ear gravity sensor function

COG (Center of gravity measurement)

Objective measurement of stability

Hearing Test With Middle Ear Pressure And Reflex Testing

Hearing test with middle ear pressure testing

LOS (Limits of stability measurement

Objective assessment of limits of stability before falling

SOT (Sensory organization test)

Computerized Dynamic Posturography, an objective measure of global balance function

SR (Sensory ratio)

Analysis of CDP responses which can determine relative weighting of vision, joint position sense (somatosensory), and inner ear contributions to overall stability

How does a Concussion Treatment work?

CVRT has been clinically proven to reduce disability in 85% of all dizzy patients. Greater than 90% of moderate to severely imbalanced patients experienced improvement by 3-5x the clinically meaningful margin.

Initial Assessment and
First Training Session

90 Minutes

Intake and consent forms

Three questionnaires to evaluate:

  • The impact of dizziness on your daily life
  • Your confidence in your balance
  • Your concerns about falling

Two tests to measure:

  • Your balance
  • Your risk of falls and your center of
    gravity


Your first training session.

Training Sessions

40 minutes each

These sessions are typically scheduled twice a week and involve the following

  • A technician will lead you through training exercises that progress in difficulty over the course of 12 sessions total.
  • During training, you will use a machine with a safety harness, interactive surround display, and moveable platform. You will need to shift your weight forward, backward, right, and left in response to visual targets on the screen. The moveable platform you are standing on will respond to and track your movements.
  • The exercises you do at each session will vary, and the visual targets on screen will become more challenging.

Final Assessment and Last Training Sessionz

90 Minutes

In your final visit you will complete your last training session and complete a final consultation with our doctor that includes:

  • A review of findings from your treatment
  • Completion of the same tests and questionnaires from the first session.

Risks and Complications For Vertigo Treatment

While CVRT is generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential risks associated with this therapy.

Fatigue

Performing repetitive exercises during CVRT sessions may lead to fatigue, particularly in individuals who have limited stamina or other health conditions.

Nausea or Motion Sickness

The nature of CVRT exercises, which involve visual and/or vestibular stimulation, can trigger symptoms of nausea or motion sickness in some individuals, which are typically mild and transient.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common symptoms of a concussion?

The most common symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in mood or behavior.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the severity of the concussion. While most people recover within a few days to weeks, some may experience lingering symptoms for months or even longer.

When is it safe to return to normal activities after a concussion?

Return to activities should be guided by a healthcare professional and based on the resolution of symptoms. It’s essential to avoid activities that could risk further injury until medically cleared.

What are the potential long-term effects of concussions?

While most people recover fully from concussions, repeated or severe concussions may increase the risk of long-term complications such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or post-concussion syndrome. Often, feelings of instability can cause falls in individuals who have sustained a concussion.

How can concussions be prevented?

Strategies for preventing concussions include wearing appropriate protective gear during sports or recreational activities, practicing safe driving habits, and taking steps to minimize the risk of falls.

Related concussion treatment publications

Durable improvement in participant-reported measures of disability and objective posturography after computerized vestibular retraining

Eytan A. David and Navid Shahnaz

Dynamic posturography after computerized vestibular retraining for stable unilateral vestibular deficits

Eytan A. David and Navid Shahnaz

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Clinically proven treatment for vertigo, dizziness, concussions, and falls — powered by an advanced data-driven therapy.