In support of Balance Awareness Week, we are sharing important information on vestibular and balance disorders, provided in conjunction with the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA).
Vestibular disorders aren’t widely-understood and weren’t discussed much in public until recently. The recent media-focus on sports-related concussions is helping increase awareness to the symptoms of concussion. However, there still needs to be more emphasis placed on pre-injury baseline testing (cognitive and balance) as well as post-concussive therapy options.
Here are a few of the athletes and celebrities who have suffered a concussion recently:
– Sydney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
– Gavin DeGraw (assaulted)
– Jimmy Buffett (fell off stage)
– Lady Gaga (hit on stage)
However, concussion isn’t the only vestibular issue faced by celebrities. Others are speaking up about their struggles with other vestibular issues:
– Janet Jackson, singer- suffers from Migraine Associated Vertigo (MAV)
– Kristen Chenoweth, actress- suffers from Ménière’s disease
– Sheryl Crow, singer- has a meningioma, a benign brain tumor
– Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “Starry Night” is reportedly a representation of the dizziness he experienced due to Ménière’s disease.
– William Shatner was struck with Tinnitus as a result of a special effects blast during the filming of “Star Trek.”