Liz,
You really need to go to a vestibular therapist and get some testing and evaluation done- to find out what specific points are having the balance issues and how you are compensating (or not). Balance sensors come from the soles of the feet, the hips, the ears and the eyes… take one away, such as the vestibular/acoustic nerve, and your brain needs to be trained on how to compensate.
I am thinking it may be worth getting some testing done before you surgery so they have a baseline score. They can compare this to where you will be post surgery… and how you progress. It will take time (not to mention hard work and consistency on your part) … but the brain CAN retrain.
Don’t let any physician tell you that vestibular therapy does not work.
Here is my story
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5584.0Bobbie made this post
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=6180.0I find that walking backward, up hill, has really helped me retrain. (However the neighbors, I am sure, are quite convinced that I am loopy as they see me do this- I am sure they are convinced it was the
brain surgery
![Grin ;D](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/grin.gif)
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This explains what vestibular therapy is
http://www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/treatment/vestibular-rehab.phpYour inner ear is affected - you need to “retrain the brain�
Here are some therapists I found in your locale
http://easttorontophysiotherapy.com/more_services.htmlhttp://www.westwoodhealthto.com/services.html#dizzinessLifeMark Physiotherapy
110 Queen St. East
Brampton, ON L6V 1B1
Canada
(905) 455-5870
(905) 455-3620 (fax)
http://www.lifemark.ca/Services/ServiceDetails.aspx Here is a search engine to find support groups on balance issues too.
http://www.vestibular.org/support-groups/find-support-group.phpThe brain is very plastic and most capable of retraining. The technology they have out there, now-a-days, is amazing.
If you have not already seen this documentary video (the vestibular part is in the last 1/3) – I recommend viewing it as it is highly inspirational.
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/video/286-mixed_feelings_.htmlThere will be no set time for recovery. Much will depend on the time it takes for you to recovery from the craniotomy and how much you are able to push yourself in physiotherapy after surgery. The key is you must speak up and ask your physician for a referral to vestibular therapy. Even of you are currently in a wheelchair (been there myself) you must keep active with stretches and exercise etc to keep muscle tone and strength. This will assist with your recovery post-op.
All the best to you -with your surgery. I have you in my prayers. Keep us posted on your progress.
Cheers,
Daisy Head Mayzie
(Canadian Sister in the USA
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
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