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In an effort to better understand the Storage Velocity Mechanism (SVM) and its clinical significance—something that isn’t talked about much in courses—I decided to dive deeper into what it is, why it matters, and what I should know as a vestibular therapist. Here’s what I found.

What is the Storage Velocity Mechanism?

As we know, the semicircular canals detect angular acceleration. However, with motion at a steady speed the cupula in the semicircular canal returns to its resting position within 7 seconds. Despite this, we can maintain visual stability during sustained rotations, thanks to the Storage Velocity Mechanism (SVM).

The SVM essentially integrates...

Managing sports-related concussions requires a structured, evidence-based approach and often a multidisciplinary team to ensure a safe return to play. Tools like the SCAT6 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) and SCOAT6 (Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool) play pivotal roles in the  assessment and management of sports related concussion. Developed as part of the 2023 Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) Statement, these tools offer standardized methods for evaluating sport related concussion symptoms and guiding recovery.

In this blog, we outline the roles of the SCAT6 and SCOAT6, when to use them, their similarities and differences, strengths and weaknesses, and how to optimize them...

As vestibular therapists, we often focus on assessing the function of the semicircular canals in the inner ear. However, the otolithic organs—the utricle and saccule—play a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation and are not routinely assessed. Two electrophysiological tests, Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMPs) and Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (oVEMPs), provide valuable insights into otolithic function. I often forget the difference between the two VEMPs tests, so hopefully writing this blog will make it stick. If not, at least I have a quick resource to refer back to!

If you are like me, these tests may not be...

This fall, Guardian Caps are appearing more frequently in football, including on professional fields. As someone with experience with rugby and wakeboarding, I immediately noticed how these caps resembled scrum caps used in rugby or impact vests for wakeboarding.

Guardian Caps are soft-shell helmet covers designed to reduce the force of impacts during collisions. With concussions continuing to be a significant issue in contact sports, especially football and hockey, these caps offer a fresh approach to an old problem. Let's face it, over the past few decades, helmet designs have not changed much while concussions have remained a persistent issue.

How Do Guardian Caps Work?

The...

Maintaining mobility and activity levels in patients with balance issues is essential for their overall well-being. Falls are a leading cause of losing independence in older adults, making fall prevention a key priority. As healthcare providers, we must balance the need to reduce fall risks with keeping patients active. This is where ambulatory aids like walking, Nordic, and trekking poles can make a significant difference. In this post, we’ll review the benefits, differences, and sizing of these poles, and how to determine which is the best option for your patients.

1) Walking Poles: Stability and Confidence on the Go

Designed to provide stability, they can help patients maintain...

In the field of vestibular therapy, taking a thorough vestibular history is crucial. Accurate diagnosis of vestibular conditions (i.e. vestibular migraines) often depends solely on the patient’s history. When I first entered this field years ago, I was advised to focus on three primary elements during vestibular history-taking: symptoms, tempo, and circumstance. Over time, this approach has proven invaluable in my practice.

In this post we'll cover these three elements along with a useful acronym that will help gather all of the pertinent information.

Key Components of a Vestibular History

1. Symptoms

To begin, determining the nature of the patient’s symptoms is essential. Is...

As healthcare providers, we occasionally encounter patients with dizziness that does not fit the usual patterns of vestibular disorders. One such condition is Third Window Syndrome (TWS), which most commonly presents as Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD). There are other presentations of TWS aside from SSCD and TWS itself was first described by Minor in 1998. 

In this blog, we will cover what TWS is, its causes, symptoms, triggers, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Third Window Syndrome?

Third Window Syndrome (TWS) encompasses a group of inner ear disorders characterized by an abnormal opening or thinning in the bony structures of the inner ear. The most...

We’re excited to share an assessment technique that has significantly enhanced our ability to evaluate patients with vestibular hypofunction: the Skull Vibration Induced Nystagmus Test (SVINT). After hearing about it a few times over the past few years, we decided to investigate further and are glad we did. Given our access to infrared goggles, implementing SVINT was quite affordable since portable handheld massage devices can be picked up at places like Walmart.

Clinically, the test has helped us pick up vestibular hypofunctions when our other battery of tests such as looking for gaze evoked nystagmus, head impulse test, head shaking nystagmus test, and dynamic visual acuity tests...

At North 49, the three common questions we get asked about infrared goggles are:

1. Can we get a discount rate on goggles through North 49?
2. Do I really need goggles?
3. Which goggles do you recommend?

Can we get a discount rate on goggles through North 49?

The answer to the first question is, unfortunately no. That being said, we would really appreciate that if you end up buying a pair of goggles from Vestibular First that you use: https://vestibularfirst.com/?referredby=507 as it allows us to collect points that we redeem to purchase anatomical models that we give out as draws at our weekend courses. From time to time we also have give-away draws for our monthly newsletter subscribers....

As a healthcare provider, seeing patients with various medical conditions is part and parcel of our daily routine. However, there are certain conditions that are relatively rare, but require keen attention and understanding for effective management should they occur. One such condition is an acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma. In this blog, I will provide insights into what an acoustic neuroma is, its prevalence, clinical presentation, conservative treatment principles, and indications for surgery. Then, if you want to take a deeper dive, I'll provide some of my favourite resources at the end of the this blog. 

Understanding Acoustic Neuroma:

Acoustic neuroma is...