Western Carolina University

Clinic Information

The Balance and Fall Prevention Clinic at Western Carolina University provides interprofessional team-based evaluation, treatment, and consultation services for individuals who have fallen or are at risk for falling. Our team, consisting of a physical therapist, an audiologist, and a nurse practitioner, provides integrated care at one location to help identify risk factors and other contributing factors associated with balance disorders.

 Services include evaluating and treating vestibular dysfunctions utilizing specialized diagnostic equipment including computerized dynamic posturography for balance assessment and videonystagmography (VNG) for individuals with dizziness or vertigo. Consultations from additional team members are also provided as needed, including registered dieticians, social workers, and other health professionals.

You should consider visiting our clinic if you…
-Feel unsteady on your feet or have had a fall
-Sometimes lose your balance but are able to catch yourself
-Have difficulty with walking or balance
-Were recently hospitalized or visited the ER for a fall-related injury
-Have a vestibular (inner ear) disorder involving dizziness or vertigo

Clinic Mission

The clinic was formed to help improve the health and wellness of individuals at risk for falls. One out of every three people age 65 and older fall each year. Research has identified multiple risk factors that contribute to falling, many of which can be modified or improved with treatment. Our goal is to address these factors to help prevent falls and optimize health. The clinic also serves as an advanced education and training facility for health care students and practitioners.