National Dizzy & Balance Center 1630 101st Avenue Northeast, Blaine, MN 55449

"May 5, 2023, my world was turned upside down. I went by ambulance to the ER feeling sick to my stomach and dizzy, when I woke up the next morning in the hospital, I didn’t know what had happened to me. I lost all of my hearing in my left ear and had vertigo. Up to this point I was in good health and very independent. Now I am so weak. I need a wheelchair. I was sent to a rehab for a month. I was on strong meds and going to PT. They sent me home when I was still dizzy and I had a hard time walking. I had a visitor come see me from an agency. To check on me at home. She let me know that I should not be feeling this dizzy. I saw my doctor, she wanted me to go to another clinic. I told her that someone gave me a card for the National Dizzy and Balance Center. Would she please send a referral so that I could go there, I know in my heart, this is the place I needed to go, she agreed. So I called scheduling. She was very helpful and took the time to explain what would happen at my first visit. As soon as I walked in the clinic, I was greeted by two lovely receptionist that always would always have a smile for me. My first visit was with Sarah Berg, she let me know that I can be helped at this clinic, and everything that I need can take place here. She explained that I probably had a virus in my inner ear, with tears in my eyes, I finally have hope for my situation. I had a number of visits for testing done by Karen. Even though the tests were not pleasant, Karen with her sweet voice talked me through all the tests and made my experience better. The test showed that I had a labyrinthitis and 75% permanent damage to my vestibular system. Alex was my PT, she did my first correct maneuver for my vertigo. She was so confident and calming, the bad dizziness went away. I had one last test to be done which caused me more dizziness. Erin needed to give me a second maneuver which worked. She was so sweet and very gentle. The dizziness stopped. I had many appointments with Alex. She was there for me the whole time she is a great listener. She encouraged me and gave me hope Alex is my cheerleader. She never gave up on me. She has a way about herself that inspired me to keep working through it all the way. Alex celebrated with me on my short term and long term goals. I aced all my goals and my sensory tests. I see her strong passion that she carries to help all her people. I saw Sam and Katie for OT. Sam is bubbly and has great enthusiasm, and this is all for me. She is so happy for me when I have made progress. Katie explains the how and why - answering all of my questions. She would listen to all of my concerns, and worked with me, changing the exercises to adapt, so they would work with my right eye due to previous surgeries. Katie’s gentle voice was so easy to listen to. I felt so very comfortable doing my exercises in front of her. She has a lot of knowledge about the eyes and the visual processing skills,Gaze, Tracking,Convergence, Saccades and Peripheral awareness. Wow what a gift she has. My dizziness is Completely gone!!! I have better Balance than I have had in years!!! I am sincerely, grateful for all of your support that was extended towards me. During this difficult time in my life, I was in good hands, and being very cared for by all of you. For all of these reasons, I Deeply appreciate the national Dizzy and Balance Center in Blaine"

"I am an 86 year old female and had issues with dizziness and nausea. I was told by several doctors that because I had been treated for crystals in the inner ear there was nothing else that they could recommend. By good luck I saw the ad for NDBC and quickly made an appointment. After some unusual tests I learned that I did indeed have balance problems that could be remedied with exercises (not drugs). Thanks to the many patient and knowledgeable staff members I was able to train my brain to keep me steady and much safer. Kudos to Alex, Linda, Lisa, Erin, Sam, Katie and Sarah. Not only can I function more safely but I am aware of the complexity of my bodily functions and how to nurture them more effectively. My life has been greatly enriched by NDBC. LF"

"NDBC Blaine is THE place to be seen if you have concerns regarding dizziness. Every clinician I saw before this clinic was not helpful at all. The Blaine staff makes the difference in assessing the problem, devising an action plan, assessing the effectiveness of the plan and adjusting or advancing the plan based on outcomes. I appreciated their expertise but I also felt valued and respected as a patient. The entire staff always listened to my feedback and supported me when needed. I’m thrilled to have graduated symptom free but sad to say goodbye to the excellent staff. Linda, Erin, Alex and Joe, you have been instrumental in my recovery. Thank you so much. Thanks to Laura too at the front desk!"

"During the last couple years, my wife and I noted that my gait while walking was uneven, and I had a couple episodes of nearly losing my balance. My doctor referred me to NDBC for evaluation and testing. The results revealed an inner ear problem and, in fact, my score on the initial testing was significantly below normal for my age. I was assigned to the wonderful Physical Therapy Team for several sessions to improve my balance, strength and coordination. The team of Joe Wilson along with Alex, Linda and Erin not only led me through several exercise programs that were designed especially for me to practice daily at home, but they explained why these particular exercises would help me. These sessions allowed me to progress more rapidly as I was able to improve each week. NOW, WHY AM I WRITING THIS NOTE TO NDBC AFTER GRADUATING 6 WEEKS AGO? Because the "light" was turned on by Joe and the rest of the staff, that my quality of life is significantly improved by what they taught me during their sessions. And I've continued to follow those exercises on my own after "graduating" from the weekly sessions with them. THANK YOU!!!"

"I had serious balance issues and several falls before going to National Dizzy and Balance Center in Blaine. Every therapist that worked with me was excellent! The entire staff was knowledgeable, encouraging and provided great continuity of care. I benefited from a combination of Physical and Occupational Therapies. A special thanks to Joe & Emily (PT) and Christina (OT). The progress I made with their expertise was amazing!"