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- Balance and Fall Prevention Clinic
Balance and Fall Prevention Clinic
Our Mission
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The clinic was formed to help improve the health and wellness of individuals at risk for falls. One out of every three people age 65 and older fall each year. Research has identified multiple risk factors that contribute to falling, many of which can be modified or improved with treatment. Our goal is to address these factors to help prevent falls and optimize health. The clinic also serves as an advanced education and training facility for health care students and practitioners.
About the Clinic
The Balance and Fall Prevention Clinic at Western Carolina University provides inter-professional team-based evaluation, treatment, and consultation services for individuals who have fallen or are at risk for falling. Our team, consisting of a physical therapist, an audiologist, and a nurse practitioner, provides integrated care at one location to help identify risk factors and other contributing factors associated with balance disorders.
Our Services
Services include evaluating and treating vestibular dysfunctions utilizing specialized diagnostic equipment including computerized dynamic posturography for balance assessment and videonystagmography (VNG) for individuals with dizziness or vertigo. Consultations from additional team members are also provided as needed, including registered dieticians, social workers, and other health professionals.
Consider visiting our clinic if you…
- Feel unsteady on your feet or have had a fall
- Sometimes lose your balance but are able to catch yourself
- Have difficulty with walking or balance
- Were recently hospitalized or visited the ER for a fall-related injury
- Have a vestibular (inner ear) disorder involving dizziness or vertigo
FAQS
Contact us directly or have your physician contact us at:
Phone: (828) 227-7251
Fax: (828) 227-7456
- Wear loose clothing
- Wear your normal shoes, and bring any other shoes you wear regularly
- Bring glasses, if you wear them
- Bring your walking aid (cane, walker, etc.), if you use one
- Bring in all current medication bottles and a list of medications
- If you have motion sickness, consider not eating 4 hours before your visit
Our team will assess numerous factors involved with your balance during your visit. A complete evaluation generally takes about 1.5-2 hours and may include:
- Comprehensive fall risk assessment
- Balance and walking assessment
- Neuromusculoskeletal assessment
- Medication review with recommendations
- Hearing assessment (audiogram)
- Vestibular assessment and treatment
- Computerized posturography
- VNG ( videonystagmography) testing
- Foot and footwear assessment
- Endurance/fitness testing
- Exercise, balance, fitness, and footwear education
- Home safety recommendations
- Other health professional consultations/referrals as needed
Our clinic is located on the 1st level of the Health and Human Sciences Building at Western Carolina University. Parking spots designated for the clinic are located in the second row of the lower level parking lot.
Our address is:
WCU Balance and Fall Prevention Clinic
4121 Little Savannah Rd., Room 132
Cullowhee, NC 28723