NHL Stanley Cup finalist and veteran team captain and player, Bryce Salvador, is leading awareness and fundraising efforts for the Vestibular Disorders Associaiton (VEDA) by detailing his recovery from vestibular injury in the video Back to Balance: The Bryce Salvador Story, and by focusing his personal message to youth athletes. Balance Awareness week is September 12-18th, 2016.
“We are working to educate, raise awareness and resources to reach millions suffering the debilitating effects of vestibular (inner ear and brain) disorders, says Salvador. “Young athletes who suffer from an injury like concussion may also have vestibular damage. Unfortunately, the effects of dizziness and imbalance from injury can go misdiagnosed or even disregarded and can last much longer than more well-known concussion symptoms, which was my case. It was a year total before I was able to play again.”
As a VEDA Honary Chair and Ambassador, Salvador is encouraging others – especially people who experience dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance – to visit VEDA’s website at vestibular.org to learn about vestibular disorders and get help. “When you know the signs of a vestibular disorder, you can make sure young athletes get the help they need so they can return to play.
“Balance disorders are the number one disorder seen after head injuries,” says Dr. Michael Hoffer, NFL grant recipient researching advanced vestibular diagnostic tools at the University of Miami Health System. “When left undetected, concussions can result in damage to the inner ear and brain and lead to chronic vestibular disorders, which impact balance, learning, social interactions and the ability to perform everyday tasks.”
“But there is hope,” Salvador continues. “I played arguably some of the best hockey of my career after going through vestibular rehabilitation.”
About 69 million Americans have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction in their lifetime. The goal of Balance Awareness Week is to “Defeat DizzinessTM” by helping people recognize the symptoms of a vestibular disorder and urging them to seek help from a professional vestibular specialist.
About Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA)
VeDA is the leading international organization that people turn to for help with vestibular (inner ear and brain) disorders. VeDA is an authoritative source of information that is clear, reliable, and scientifically objective. VeDA supports people with vestibular disorders by connecting them to health care specialists and support networks and promotes awareness for vestibular disorders through testimony and advocacy.
