Patient Videos
The Patient Video you are about to see was filmed with actual patients trained with the BrainPort balance device. These videos may not be representative of the total population of patients with balance disorders. Results vary from patient to patient.
Introduction
This video features five subjects suffering from various chronic vestibular disorders. All subjects had reached a plateau with conventional vestibular therapy prior to initiating Brain Port balance device treatment. All subjects in this video were trained with the BrainPort balance device for 60 minutes twice a day for 5 consecutive days. Subjects were evaluated before and after the training with standard balance assessment tests such as the NeuroCom® Sensory Organization Test (or SOT), the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (or DHI), the Dynamic Gait Index (or DGI), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (or ABC).
Subject #1- Ménière’s Disease
Before BrainPort balance device training
This subject was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease 14 years ago. Prior to treatment with the BrainPort balance device, her balance difficulties interfered with her ability to shop, drive, multitask and work as an ER nurse.
After BrainPort balance device training
After treatment, she was able to drive in busy traffic and was able to function without balance problems at work. She returned to full time nursing. Her score on the ABC scale increased from 77% to 100%, indicating a marked improvement in performing everyday tasks.
Subject#2- Bilateral Vestibular Loss
Before BrainPort balance device training
This subject was diagnosed with bilateral vestibular dysfunction which developed over an 11 year period. He exhibited significant difficulty walking without his cane or walker. His SOT composite score was 17. His score on the DHI was 92 out of 100 indicating a serious self-assessed balance deficit. His score on the DGI was 4 out of 24, demonstrating a serious risk of falls.
After BrainPort balance device training
Following BrainPort balance device training, he exhibited a marked improvement in walking and balance. His SOT scores did not change significantly, but his DGI increased from 4 to 15 and his DHI improved from 92 to 74. In later follow-up, his balance difficulties were noted to be partially due to a paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome secondary to a non central nervous system lymphoma.
Subject#3 - Idiopathic Vestibular Loss
Before BrainPort balance device training
This subject has had idiopathic balance problem for 9 years. She also experienced headaches 2 or 3 times each week. She had difficulty walking in the dark and walking on uneven surfaces. She complained of decreased energy and problems with concentration. Her score on the ABC scale indicated a significant lack of confidence related to daily activities.
After BrainPort balance device training
After treatment, her score on the ABC scale increased from 58 to 84, and her SOT improved from 45 to 54. During her week of therapy, she was free of headaches and all of her symptoms improved.
Subject#4 - Gentamicin Ototoxicity
Before BrainPort balance device training
This subject has been suffering from bilateral vestibular loss due to gentamicin ototoxicity for more than 10 years. Prior to BrainPort balance device training, he exhibited an abnormally wide gait and was unsteady walking. He was unable to drive and had difficulty walking either in the dark or on uneven surfaces. He complained of visual unsteadiness when turning his head.
After BrainPort balance device training
Following BrainPort balance device training, his balance and gait markedly improved. His DHI score improved from 66 to 16 and his Composite SOT increased by 22 points.
Subject#5 - Idiopathic Vestibular Loss Accompanied by Migraines
Before BrainPort balance device training
This subject has had an idiopathic bilateral vestibular loss accompanied by migraine headaches for the past five years. Her balance difficulties increased along with her daily headaches. Before beginning the BrainPort balance device training, she was unable to stand in a tandem Romberg position either with her eyes closed or open and she was unable to stand on one leg. She had problems walking in the dark, walking on uneven surfaces, and walking up stairs if she couldn’t use a handrail. She experienced difficulty driving and exercising on her treadmill.
After BrainPort balance device training
Following BrainPort balance device training, she showed marked balance improvement when attempting the tandem Romberg position with her eyes open or closed, and when attempting to stand on one leg. She was free of migraine headaches, experienced improvement in her driving abilities, and was able to walk on the treadmill without dizziness. Her Composite SOT score improved from 55 to 65.