Newport-Mesa Audiology Balance & Ear Institute (the Institute) announced the launch of a patent-pending, home-based, Vestibular Virtual Reality (VVR) system for the treatment of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance, which is now available to national and international patients. The home-based VVR treatment system is built on the technology and proprietary Advanced Vestibular Treatment clinical protocols the Institute reportedly utilized to effectively treat Mark Cuban for dizziness caused by vestibular (inner ear) dysfunction. Vestibular dysfunction is a prominent cause of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance.

The home-based VVR treatment system for dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance reportedly allows a doctor to remotely monitor a patient’s progress and adjust treatment prescriptions, accordingly, according to the Institute’s announcement.

The home-based VVR treatment system is an extension of the Institute’s trademarked Advanced Vestibular Treatment. The proprietary clinical process is a “top-down” approach to diagnosing and treating dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance, which starts with the vestibular system where a large portion of these disorders originate. Directed by doctors of audiology, Advanced Vestibular Treatment is said to incorporate physical exercises with optokinetic stimulation to both desensitize visual motion disturbance and help restore balance function by utilizing integration techniques between the vestibular, visual, and somatosensory inputs.

“The home-based VVR treatment system is a new and revolutionary aspect of Advanced Vestibular Treatment,” said Dr Howard T. Mango, CEO and founder of Newport-Mesa Audiology Balance & Ear Institute. “The underlying clinical protocols are proven to effectively treat vestibular related balance issues, as with Mark Cuban. The introduction of the VVR treatment system to deliver this clinical efficacy at home is a far-reaching way to help restore patients to activity levels prior to the onset of their symptoms.”

To get the VVR treatment system, patients must first undergo a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation at the Institute. If vestibular dysfunction is diagnosed, a recommendation for treatment is prescribed by one of the Institute’s doctors of audiology. Patients then begin home-based treatment through the VVR system with an accompanying concierge care plan of their choosing. Patients are cared for by their doctor of audiology during treatment through regular phone and online appointments, as well as remote monitoring to evaluate treatment progress, with adjustments to treatment prescriptions implemented throughout.

The VVR treatment system is available to patients for purchase or lease and includes a self-contained virtual reality goggle system, mobile phone application, Advanced Vestibular Treatment web portal, patient-specific optokinetic treatment stimuli, and physical exercise videos.

“Virtual reality, real-time connectivity, and Advanced Vestibular Treatment are a true convergence of high-tech and high-touch healthcare,” said Mango. “From the convenience of each patient’s home, we can now deliver highly personalized, highly effective treatment of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance. For dizziness, Vestibular Virtual Reality is a home-healthcare gamechanger.”

Source: Newport-Mesa Audiology Balance & Ear Institute

Image: Newport-Mesa Audiology Balance & Ear Institute