Conditions we work with

The vestibular system is the body’s own ‘spirit level’ and gives our brain the ability to perceive information related to where we are in space and where gravity field is. This allows us to maintain balance. The system involves the inner ear (known as the vestibular apparatus) and links up the antigravity muscles and the visual information that is processed together by our brain. When parts of this system are damaged, we can feel dizziness, vertigo, lightheaded or off balanced.

Spinal cord injury can occur as a result of trauma following a road or workplace accident or as a result of tumours or infarcts (lack of blood supply) to the spinal cord. Injury is named by the lowest level that has full normal function. For example, when someone is considered a C5 quadriplegia, it means that the lowest level with full feeling and movement corresponds to the patch of skin and key muscle group associated with that level of nerve supply. In this case it is the bicep muscle and feeling on the outside of the elbow. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) uses a detailed and standardised scale to determine this, and it helps us predict functional outcome.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord, that involves an immune-mediated process in which the body's immune system (particularly T cells) abnormally turns on against the central nervous system. The exact trigger or target that the immune system is trying to attack, remains unknown and there currently is no cure. It is thought that environmental factors can predispose a person who is genetically susceptible to develop MS.

Concussion can be defined as a form of brain injury either by direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere in the body resulting in an impulsive force transmitted to the head. The biomechanical forces typically result in rapid onset neurological impairments that are usually short-lived.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) has historically been classified as a psychological disorder, however the current consensus is to classify it as a neurological disorder as well. FND can present similar to different neurological or vestibular issues (e.g. stroke, dystonia, dizziness or movement disorder) however, the symptoms can fluctuate and demonstrate particular features that characterise this disorder.