Vestibular
Disorders
Association






























An information and support organization for people with dizziness,
balance disorders, and related hearing problems.





     It's hard to describe what you experience when you're feeling
dizzy. It's a sensation most people take for granted.  But when a
momentary feeling of faintness becomes a prolonged period of
violent whirling and the world is spinning out of control, you
can't take anything for granted. You may have trouble moving or
even sitting still. You may often feel nauseated and ill.
     If you have been living with these kinds of symptoms, it's
possible that your life has changed drastically.
     You may have trouble concentrating, and you may forget things.
Reading and writing may seem more difficult, and sometimes you may
have trouble recalling the words you want.
     You probably find it frustrating when you feel dizzy and
unstable and can't participate in your usual activities. Maybe
you're afraid you'll become unsteady in public or that you might
appear intoxicated. You may even be reluctant to leave your home
without the support of a family member or friend. Perhaps you feel
that you may never be well.
     When you're feeling upset and frustrated about your dizziness,
you may be more irritable around your family and friends. They are
probably having trouble understanding what you're going through.
Even though you feel miserable, to them you may look just fine.
      Dizziness is not a disease. It is a symptom--a change in body
function that indicates that a problem exists.
     There are many causes of dizziness. But in 85 percent of
people who experience dizziness, the problem is a change in the
vestibular system--part of your inner ear concerned with balance
and body orientation.
     Since vestibular disorders are difficult to diagnose, these
problems and their symptoms are greatly misunderstood. Although
many people understand what it means to have heart disease or
diabetes, most people have never heard of vestibular disorders.

                               VEDA Goals


     The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) was founded in
Portland, Oregon, in 1983 and was chartered as a national
organization in 1987. VEDA is dedicated to:

Providing information about vestibular disorders and related
topics.

Building a support network for people with dizziness and balance
disorders.

Educating the public and health professionals about vestibular
disorders and their effects.

Supporting research and clinical activities that may improve the
quality of life for people affected by vestibular disorders.

     VEDA members share a common bond of understanding. They know
how it feels to have an invisible physical disability--a disorder
that is not apparent to others but alters their ability to engage
in daily activities and greatly diminishes the quality of their
lives.

                                   
Services to Members


A quarterly newsletter, On the Level, provides the latest
information about medical diagnosis, treatment, and research, along
with tips on diet, exercise, safety, stress, and other topics
important to people with vestibular disorders.

Fact sheets, booklets, and brochures on subjects such as positional
vertigo (BPPN or BPPV), Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis, perilymph
fistula, diagnostic tests, treatments, and managing acute dizziness
attacks provide more detailed information in specific areas.

You may order the book, Balancing Act: For People with Dizziness
and Balance Disorders.

You may borrow or buy educational videotapes, including the award-
winning Staying Even: How to Cope Successfully with Dizziness and
Balance Disorders.

You may join the Link List and communicate directly with other VEDA
members.  Also, VEDA will provide information about local support
groups.

Information about vestibular diagnostic centers and physicians is
available upon request.

VEDA can supply annotated bibliographies of medical articles on
vestibular disorders.

Become a member of the leading non-profit organization providing
information and support to people with dizziness and balance
disorders.

Join VEDA today!
We can help bring your life into balance.
 









Membership Form

_______________________________________________________________
Name


_______________________________________________________________
Address


______________________________________________________________
City                            State                            Zip


(_________________) __________________________________________
Telephone

New Membership
Renewal

1 Year Individual or Family ($15)
1 Year Professional ($35)
Economic Hardship ($0).  Membership will not be denied because of
inability to pay.
Donation. Amount $ ____________.  Donations are tax deductible to
the extent allowed by law.

Please make checks payable to:

VEDA
PO BOX 4467
PORTLAND OR 97208-4467
(503) 229-7705

Please sign below if you would like your name, address, and
telephone number included in the VEDA Link List to communicate with
other VEDA members. Optionally, you may also include a brief
description of your disorder or symptoms for the Link List.  


_________________________________________________________________
____________
                               Signature

_________________________________________________________________
_____________
                        Description of Disorder





                                 VEDA
                              PO BOX 4467
                        PORTLAND OR 97208-4467
                            (503) 229-7705
                          FAX (503) 229-8064