National Dizzy & Balance Center

NDBC Blaine is THE place to be seen if you have concerns regarding dizziness. Every clinician I saw before this clinic was not helpful at all. The Blaine staff makes the difference in assessing the problem, devising an action plan, assessing the effectiveness of the plan and adjusting or advancing the plan based on outcomes. I appreciated their expertise but I also felt valued and respected as a patient. The entire staff always listened to my feedback and supported me when needed. I’m
thrilled to have graduated symptom free but sad to say goodbye to the excellent staff. Linda, Erin, Alex and Joe, you have been instrumental in my recovery. Thank you so much. Thanks to Laura too at the front desk!

May 5, 2023, my world was turned upside down. I went by ambulance to the ER feeling sick to my stomach and dizzy, when I woke up the next morning in the hospital, I didn’t know what had happened to me. I lost all of my hearing in my left ear and had vertigo.
Up to this point I was in good health and very independent. Now I am so weak. I need a wheelchair. I was sent to a rehab for a month. I was on strong meds and going to PT. They sent me home when I was still dizzy and I had a hard time walking. I had a visitor come see me from an agency. To check on me at home. She let me know that I should not be feeling this dizzy. I saw my doctor, she wanted me to go to another clinic. I told her that someone gave me a card for the National Dizzy and Balance Center. Would she please send a referral so that I could go there, I know in my heart, this is the place I needed to go, she agreed. So I called scheduling. She was very helpful and took the time to explain what would happen at my first visit. As soon as I walked in the clinic, I was greeted by two lovely receptionist that always would always have a smile for me. My first visit was with Sarah Berg, she let me know that I can be helped at this clinic, and everything that I need can take place here. She explained that I probably had a virus in my inner ear, with tears in my eyes, I finally have hope for my situation. I had a number of visits for testing done by Karen. Even though the tests were not pleasant, Karen with her sweet voice talked me through all the tests and made my experience better. The test showed that I had a labyrinthitis and 75% permanent damage to my vestibular system. Alex was my PT, she did my first correct maneuver for my vertigo. She was so confident and calming, the bad dizziness went away. I had one last test to be done which caused me more dizziness. Erin needed to give me a second maneuver which worked. She was so sweet and very gentle. The dizziness stopped. I had many appointments with Alex. She was there for me the whole time she is a great listener. She encouraged me and gave me hope Alex is my cheerleader. She never gave up on me. She has a way about herself that inspired me to keep working through it all the way. Alex celebrated with me on my short term and long term goals. I aced all my goals and my sensory tests. I see her strong passion that she carries to help all her people.
I saw Sam and Katie for OT. Sam is bubbly and has great enthusiasm, and this is all for me. She is so happy for me when I have made progress. Katie explains the how and why - answering all of my questions. She would listen to all of my concerns, and worked with me, changing the exercises to adapt, so they would work with my right eye due to previous surgeries. Katie’s gentle voice was so easy to listen to. I felt so very comfortable doing my exercises in front of her. She has a lot of knowledge about the eyes and the visual processing skills,Gaze, Tracking,Convergence, Saccades and Peripheral awareness. Wow what a gift she has.
My dizziness is Completely gone!!! I have better Balance than I have had in years!!!
I am sincerely, grateful for all of your support that was extended towards me. During this difficult time in my life, I was in good hands, and being very cared for by all of you.
For all of these reasons, I Deeply appreciate the national Dizzy and Balance Center in Blaine

I had serious balance issues and several falls before going to National Dizzy and Balance Center in Blaine. Every therapist that worked with me was excellent! The entire staff was knowledgeable, encouraging and provided great continuity of care. I benefited from a combination of Physical and Occupational Therapies. A special thanks to Joe & Emily (PT) and Christina (OT). The progress I made with their expertise was amazing!

I am an 86 year old female and had issues with dizziness and nausea. I was told by several doctors that because I had been treated for crystals in the inner ear there was nothing else that they could recommend. By good luck I saw the ad for NDBC and quickly made an appointment. After some unusual tests I learned that I did indeed have balance problems that could be remedied with exercises (not drugs). Thanks to the many patient and knowledgeable staff members I was able to train my brain to keep me steady and much safer. Kudos to Alex, Linda, Lisa, Erin, Sam, Katie and Sarah. Not only can I function more safely but I am aware of the complexity of my bodily functions and how to nurture them more effectively. My life has been greatly enriched by NDBC. LF

During the last couple years, my wife and I noted that my gait while walking was uneven, and I had a couple episodes of nearly losing my balance. My doctor referred me to NDBC for evaluation and testing. The results revealed an inner ear problem and, in fact, my score on the initial testing was significantly below normal for my age. I was assigned to the wonderful Physical Therapy Team for several sessions to improve my balance, strength and coordination.

The team of Joe Wilson along with Alex, Linda and Erin not only led me through several exercise programs that were designed especially for me to practice daily at home, but they explained why these particular exercises would help me. These sessions allowed me to progress more rapidly as I was able to improve each week.

NOW, WHY AM I WRITING THIS NOTE TO NDBC AFTER GRADUATING 6 WEEKS AGO? Because the "light" was turned on by Joe and the rest of the staff, that my quality of life is significantly improved by what they taught me during their sessions. And I've continued to follow those exercises on my own after "graduating" from the weekly sessions with them.

THANK YOU!!!

My husband is once again in the midst of another round of benign proximal vertigo symptoms. These issues crop up yearly it seems. We always call the National Dizzy and Balance Center to see which clinic we can get into the soonest. We have been to the Blaine office in the past and been very pleased with the services my husband has received from Joe who is a very kind physical therapist who explains very carefully what he is seeing, diagnosing, and treating. We have a number of sessions scheduled and hope to be finished soon so other patients can get in because when you are in need you are desperate to eliminate being dizzy due to the risk of falls, etc. This provider system is absolutely a key component in my husband's health issues. We are so happy to have the ability to work with Joe and the entire National Dizzy & Balance Centers in the metro area!

Six months ago, I had extreme vertigo and dizziness that was debilitating. I sought out an appointment with the National Dizzy and Balance Center in Blaine. Immediately from the 1st consultation with Sara B, I felt like I was in a place where I would have a complete and thorough assessment. I was listened to and everyone was so kind! I was initially diagnosed with BPPV, crystals in my inner ear were misplaced. Joe W. and Alex B. corrected the crystals so that I could continue physical and occupational therapy to help resolve my dizziness and also help with my imbalance. Prior to working with physical therapists Joe W, Alex B, Erin F, and occupational therapists, Katie M, Samantha B, I had spinning sensations and felt I could not do daily tasks or even step up and down curbs. Now I feel so much better and I am more confident completing daily routines. I highly recommend the National Dizzy and Balance Center in Blaine and know where to receive quality care in the future should I need it.

I was a patient at the Dizzy Balance Center in Blaine this past summer. It was a very good experience for me. My therapist was Linda. She gave me challenging exercises targeting the symptoms I was experiencing. Linda explained each exercise and monitored me for symptoms afterward. She was always at my side as I did
the walking exercises in case I were to lose my balance. Each time
I left the clinic I had handouts with exercises to work on at home.
Over time my symptoms abated and now I am symptom free!
Thank you Linda for helping me get my life back!

During the fall of 2023, I had experienced dizziness that lasted longer than ever before. My MD referred me to the NDBC but I had my doubts. My case was not severe but it was beginning to impact my independence. At the NDBC in Blaine, Alex explained the intake process, listened to my descriptions and experiences, TOOK NOTES, determined what testing applied to me, EXPLAINED IN DETAIL AND DEPTH WITH CLARITY what each test would reveal and HOW that particular test revealed what was or was not a factor for me. It was determined I would be a candidate for therapy and a schedule put in place. I had sessions with Erin, who also took notes, explained each exercise, observed, customized, and encouraged! Alex did a couple sessions and an eval that graduated me from the program after only about 12 sessions but with a lifeline for an additional 6 months in case of any episodes. I am better prepared for possible recurrences (I will continue the effective exercises) because of this enlightening experience with two VERY knowledgeable, experienced and fun (!) therapists. Thank you!
Sincerely, Connie Goneau

This is the third time I have experienced vertigo in four years. I was fortunate that my regular doctor diagnosed my problem right away and immediately referred me to the NDBC. What a blessing that was! I don't recall the names of who I worked with 4 years and 2 years ago, but my most recent visit was with Alex, Erin and Linda who where so understanding, informative and cared about my situation. They took care of me in two visits and and left my file open for 6 months in the event I would have another episode, etc. I enjoy riding motorcycle along with my everyday activities and they have made it possible for me to continue enjoying my pastime of traveling. They made it possible for me to go through with my plans to ride motorcycle to Arkansas this fall...I couldn't have done it without all of their care and concern. I am fortunate to live so close to the Blaine NDBC and am thankful for all their wonderful employees!

I've had 20 concussions in my 62 years 4 in the last 5 years. my experience here at NDBC has helped me so much . I've had personalized care. They set my exercises around what I do and what I hope do. Joe was my main PT but others helped and OT helped lots also. If I ever get another concussion, I will come back. (but I hope I don't need to). I've been to other PT but this one seemed special.

The National Dizzy & Balance Center has a great culture by which their patients can succeed in overcoming the issues concerning them. I found my 3 different physical therapists to be not only good listeners about my explanation of my dizzy & balance issues, but they also would implement therapy techniques to correctly match my needs. I would endorse this healthcare provider to anyone with dizzy or balance issues. ....Carl Wall

When I came here my world was in ruins. Dizzines had taken my freedom, taken my drive and left me in a place where every moment the world was moving. Sam (Samantha) and Joe who worked with me at the Center were forever patient and caring no matter how good or bad my day was and I made progress week after week. I really cant tell you how bad my life was with dizziness, it had taken almost everything from me... I now have my life back, the things I do and enjoy are back.... THANK YOU NDBC

I highly recommend Blaine NDBC to anyone who has vertigo, dizziness or balance issues. They have all of the professionals needed in one location for evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and rehab.
My primary doctor referred me to NDBC after I experienced a vertigo attack last summer. I was initially treated for BPPV but after further evaluation when my symptoms lingered it was determined that I also had some vestibular damage. I was a regular at NDBC for a few months before my brain was recalibrated.
All of the staff, MD's and therapists I met with were very good.
I especially want to thank Joe Wilson, DPT for helping me get
my life back so I could be independent and return to doing the things I enjoy. He was understanding, compassionate,
supportive and encouraging. He answered my many questions and provided me with the exercises and tools to help me get better. I have learned so much and feel more confident getting back to my normal activities.
Thank you Joe!

Rita H

I had an amazing experience at NDBC Blaine. Dr Kramer and PT Alex always listened to my concerns and showed compassion. My vertigo has resolved. Thank you NDBC!!

I went to NDBC to get help when I became very unsteady when walking around. Because I was at risk for a fall, I started therapy to help overcome this. Erin Franklin was my physical therapist and she was wonderful! So very kind and caring. She gave me encouragement when I struggled with some of the exercises. When I finished the program, I felt stable again when I walked around. I am very glad that I got the chance to attend therapy at NDBC and especially to work with Erin. Thank you!

I was referred to NDBC by my ENT after having some pretty severe vertigo attacks and much dizziness and unbalance. The therapists determined that I had BPPV and were able to treat me to get rid of the vertigo with only a few treatments. However, after a week or two the vertigo came back. And this happened at least three or four times. The therapists were challenged by my situation but kept trying different maneuvers until the problem was resolved. All of the therapists that I saw were very kind and professional, but I especially want to thank Alexandra and Joe for all of their hard work and compassion. They were very professional at all times and my comfort and well-being was their first priority. They were great at explaining what was happening and why. After the vertigo was resolved I was taught various exercises to do to improve my issues with dizziness and balance. My life is now basically back to normal, and if the dizziness or balance issues should reoccur I now know how to correct them. I can’t thank everyone at NDBC enough for all of the good work they do and I will definitely recommend them to anyone in need of their services.

My husband suffered a concussion and was referred to Dizzy Balance. The Staff, Dr's, and therapist are beyond amazing. They are intuitive, thoughtful, helpful and VERY skilled at what they do. We would have been lost without this place

Excellent place to go for balance issues! I received help to regain my balance after surgery. Emily, Joe, and Adrienne were able to answer all my questions, were so understanding of the balance system, and challenged me in many ways. Best of all, they got me back to being confident in myself in relation to my balance and physically back to better balance than before the surgery.

My balance (vestibular) nerve on one side was no longer functional so the help they gave me was amazing. I also appreciated the fact that every contributing aspect of my health (so many things play into our balance system) was looked into and addressed.

I have been discharged from on-site help and I am doing an at home maintenance program and I continue to see improvement. in my balance. Balance is something that I place a great deal of importance on and they do too.

My physical therapist name was Emily. She was so helpful and helping me figure out what was going on with my dizziness and vertigo. I always look forward to going to see her each session. She went into detail what involved what was involved with what was going on with me. I would totally 100% recommend this place to anybody that has got something going on with their balance, dizziness, vertigo etc. she even gave me at home exercises to do in between our visits I also enjoy chatting with the receptionist Amy.