Story Of The Patient That Hooked Me To Become A Vestibular (Dizziness & Vertigo) Specialist.

Video Transcript

Dr. Jeffrey Guild (00:00:00) – So on a quick story about one of the ways that I got hooked on working with people with dizziness and balance disorders. And it was one incredible gentleman that I saw. And then after that, I was hooked and I couldn’t go back. So if you don’t know me, I’m Dr. Jeffrey Guild, physical therapist, owner of Optimum Physical Therapy. And we empower adults to remain active and independent in their homes and in the community. And we like to get these stories and information out to people to empower more people to be able to solve some of their movement problems so they can be more independent and to be able to get back to their life again. So back to the story. I was on my student clinical and I was working with the physical therapist who was going to become basically my vestibular mentor, the person who trained me on how to become a vestibular specialist, to work with people at dizziness and vertigo and balance disorders. And at the time a gentleman came in and he had been in a coma for about six months.

Dr. Jeffrey Guild (00:00:51) – And he was an older gentleman, probably about 75 years old, and his wife came in as well. And they were obviously both very active and independent people. And from this whole experience, he had aged quite a bit. He didn’t look 75 anymore. He looked more 85. And on top of that, after being in the coma, he had, of course, a lot of balance, problems and weakness problems. He’d been through physical therapy and rehab and all that. So he walks in and basically his main problem, of course, was dizziness, but not only dizziness, but just walking across the room. He would get short of breath and his heart would race and he would go into a panic type situation. And he was walking into the clinic basically with a walker and putting a lot of weight on it at the time. And after figuring out what was going on, my mentor basically was able to explain everything that was going on with him. And he had seen many, many doctors. He had seen, of course, as internist, neurologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist.

Dr. Jeffrey Guild (00:01:49) – He’d seen all these other specialists because his heart was racing and he was getting short of breath just walking across the room. These odd symptoms would be happening and my mentor is able to look at them and assess what was going on, test everything. She was able to sit down with him and basically explain, Hey, here’s what’s going on. Fundamentally, when your balance system is stimulated, your nervous system kicks in to a nerve that connects to your heart, your lungs and all these other things that are all connected. So what you’re getting is this neurological cause to your dizziness, and that’s why your heart is racing. That’s why you’re getting short of breath just walking across the room. Now, this condition is now known as persistent postural perceptual dizziness, Big fancy word for basically someone experiences a vestibular or dizziness or balance problem of some type. In this case, an extreme example, He was in a coma for six months and just lying on his back. So of course, he came out of that, but he’d be very dizzy because his balance system was very, very weak.

Dr. Jeffrey Guild (00:02:53) – And from that, we know from this condition that from the imaging studies, now that we know the cause is a disruption to the cortex, basically the way that the brain interprets information coming into and out of the vestibular system and into the brain and all sorts of changes happens. We have a bunch of fMRI studies now to show basically what happens with persistent postural perceptual dizziness. This disorder is in the past called chronic subjective dizziness in about 5 or 6 other things. And recently it’s been combined into one, recognizing that yet these are all the same types of conditions. It’s basically a neurologically caused panic disorder when people move. And so then they walk across the room like they’re walking on eggshells. And every time their vestibular system, their main central balance systems is stimulated, their body kind of pretty much panics. And that’s what’s happening with this gentleman. And by the time that my mentor was done working with him, he was speed walking out of the clinic without a walker perfectly balanced. And that is actually very consistent with the condition.

Dr. Jeffrey Guild (00:04:00) – And this is not true, of course, with all balance disorders or vestibular disorders. But in this one case scenario, this was the situation. And so he was able to walk and speed, walk out of the room and then be able to step down from a curb and be perfectly fine and balance. But he needed that explanation. He needed that reassurance, and he needed his body to be kind of reintroduced to the concept of normal movement again. And my mentor is able to give that to him. And basically, as she was explaining all this to him and he had seen how he could now walk across the room without a problem, you know, of course he was in tears. His wife was in tears. I was having to, you know, bite my tongue to prevent myself from breaking down his very emotional moment at the time. And that was one of the main patients. Of course, there were a whole a lot of people that were very inspiring just like this. But after that patient that I saw, I never went back.

Dr. Jeffrey Guild (00:04:56) – I then pursued becoming a vestibular specialist. Basically from there on out, because it was very powerful to see what a specialist was able to do, especially in this type of scenario. The person who had seen all these other specialists, person who had given up hope and this was just another provider that was not going to know what was going on with him. And he and his wife had lost hope by this point. And to identify specifically what is going on and to be able to explain that to people and then to be able to give them a solution and to be able to see, of course, that immediate change where now they can speed walk out of the room was very powerful. Now, of course, now all vestibular disorders and balance disorders are like this. Sometimes it can take a lot longer than that and it can be a longer hard grind to be able to solve these sorts of balance problems and similar problems. But in this one case, of course, you get that immediate hit, that immediate gratification of, wow, like this person is already so much better just from an explanation about what’s going on.

Dr. Jeffrey Guild (00:05:57) – And this is especially true with persistent postural perceptual dizziness, or you might see it as PD. And no matter what the diagnosis is, this is true for a lot of diagnoses that are more obscure. Just getting an explanation of what is going on, getting in front of the right specialist, and then to build to figure out a plan to address the problem is very, very powerful. So this is the story of what got me completely hooked on vestibular disorders. And I’ve been hooked ever since. Loved working with people with dizziness and vertigo and balance disorders. And these are incredible people who have to overcome a huge, huge problem in their life. And sometimes they can struggle for months and years and they shouldn’t have to because so much can be done for people suffering with vestibular disorders. So if you like this information, stories and others like it, subscribe to our channel, share it with a friend and it’ll make a big impact in getting this information out to other people. And we’ll look forward to sending you more information and stories just like this.

References

Dr. Jeffrey Guild shares a story about a patient who had been in a coma for six months and was experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath, and panic when walking.

He believes that, with the right explanation and treatment plan, people with vestibular disorders can overcome their problems and regain their independence.

Do you or an aging loved one struggle with balance and falls? There is hope. Let us empower you to maintain your independence at home and in the community.

Click the link below to book your free in-home discover visit: https://optimovedfw.com/balanceandfallsfb

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Matt Langford

Physical Therapist

Hi there! I'm Dr. Matt Langford. I have been working as a physical therapist in DFW for three years. My wife, our golden doodle named Birdie, and I love to spend our time going on different adventures whether it be hiking the Trinity trail or traveling to new places. I also love playing golf, pickleball, and serving at our local church in Fort Worth. My goals in life include learning more about the field of physical therapy so I can provide better care to individuals, pursuing my faith in a way that helps others know about Christ, and making as many memories as I can.

Kasondra Woodruff

Client Liaison

Kasondra is a mother and a pet lover, she loves spending time outdoors with her children and furry friends. With years of experience in client relations, her passion is ensuring that every client is heard and taken care of. As our Client Liaison, Kasondra takes pride in building strong relationships with our clients, ensuring that their needs are met and that they feel comfortable and confident throughout their time with us.

Jason Livas

Physical Therapy

Jason joined the Optimove team November 2023. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2012 followed by an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy from Navarro College in 2019.
Jason’s clinical interests include neuromuscular training for healthy aging and longevity of the older adult, orthopedic rehabilitation and strength and conditioning. Jason also maintains certifications as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and trigger point dry needling (Cert DN).
Outside of work, Jason enjoys cooking, reading, strength training and spending time with his beautiful wife and kids.

Connie Thomason

Occupational Therapist

Connie holds a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University (1997) and boasts over 26 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist. Her expertise lies primarily in neurological rehabilitation within a hospital-based outpatient setting. Throughout her career, Connie has worked across various healthcare settings including Acute, SubAcute, Skilled Nursing, and In-Patient Rehab.
Her specialization in Vestibular Rehabilitation since 2005 has equipped her to effectively treat a wide array of conditions, including BPPV, Vestibular Migraine, Meniere’s Disease, acute and chronic hypofunction, Acoustic Neuroma, PPPD, balance disorders, central vestibular disorders, concussion, and Superior Canal Dehiscence.
Connie holds numerous certifications, including the 360 Neuro Health Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehab, Emory University Vestibular Rehabilitation Competency-Based Course, 360 Neuro Health V2FIT for concussion, Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) BIG for Parkinson’s patients, Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) for stroke patients, and NASM Corrective Exercise certification. She is also certified in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
Active in professional communities, Connie is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Vestibular Disorders Association.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Connie enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, along with their two rescued bulldogs. Her hobbies include riding motorcycles, traveling, running, painting, and reading extensively about health, wellness, and vestibular research.

Andy Altmoyer

Operations Manager

Andy grew up as part of a military family, living all over the country and abroad. He is so glad to have finally landed back in Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education, minoring in Vocal Music and Theater from West Liberty University in West Virginia. Since then he has used his outgoing nature, education background, and organizational skills in healthcare management and operations. When he isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, reading Marvel comics, and cooking.
During Andy’s first venture into healthcare, while living in Ohio, he worked for a practice focused on Orthopedics where he spent time managing their Physical Therapy front desk across multiple locations as well as being a group fitness instructor for seniors, folks with special needs, and those who have had total join replacements. It’s here that he realized his deep love of helping people navigate the healthcare system and connecting them with those can meet their mobility needs.
Sad to leave that company after over 7 years, Andy and his family moved to Dallas where Andy spent 3 years as Operations Manager for a large Neurology practice. He continued helping people connect with top tier healthcare providers, navigating the pandemic, and moving the practice’s location in stride. It was during this time that Andy met Dr. Guild. The Optimove Team became a favored referral source for some of the physicians on staff and Andy got to work with their team closely as they coordinated care for the patients.
This collaboration led to Andy joining the Optimove Team in August of 2021. Andy has a unique blend of experiences not only professionally but personally as well. He has been able to assist so many people reach the correct providers to have their needs met and provides valuable insight to the workings of the healthcare system at large and how to make it work better for our clients. This also comes from helping his mother navigate worker’s compensation and disability as well as assisting his family setting up his grandparents with memory care, assisted living, physical therapy, and other services. Andy has often been quoted as saying, “I may not be the one laying the healing hands but connecting folks to the right people who can help them makes me feel like I’m a part of something great and makes me feel good.”
Andy would like to be a part of your journey towards independence and wellness. He loves getting to know our clients and being one of their biggest cheerleaders throughout their journeys. Give him a call and take the first steps to achieving your goals.

Peter Langlois

Physical Therapy

Peter keeps our clients laughing, and the whole Optimove Team as well. Hand-picked by Jeffrey from their previous rehabilitation work, when he is not being “The Joint Whisperer” and making the seemingly impossible happen, Peter is MacGyvering up some gadget for our clients to help them move better.
Peter is originally from Rhode Island. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island where his first career was as a ship captain, where he travelled the world and experienced many different cultures. Peter later developed a passion for physical therapy from his running career as a long distance runner doing marathons and ultramarathons. This led him to switch careers as he wanted to learn more about injury prevention and rehab. Peter has worked in various facilities over the last 8 years as a therapist throughout the metroplex including skilled nursing, outpatient orthopedics, and home health. He now enjoys working with our clients on various movement disorders, gait mechanics and balance issues. In his spare time Peter enjoys chopping wood and going for long trail runs with his family.

Jeffrey R. Guild, PT, DPT, (Former CSCS)

Owner, Therapist

When Dr. Jeffrey Guild is not working as business owner and clinician, he is dedicating time to his wife and children. His other hobbies include working out (Mainly in the weight room), music (Listening, playing, & researching), history, science, and studying business and successful people.
Jeffrey is originally from Bettendorf, Iowa and went to The University of Iowa and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion (Minors in Integrative Physiology & Psychology). He also worked as a Strength & Conditioning intern with The University of Iowa for 3 years and volunteered in cardiac rehabilitation at The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Upon arriving to Texas, he interned at the Cooper Aerobics Center.
Jeffrey’s first career was as a strength & conditioning professional and personal trainer. Even in the fitness industry he specialized in working with people who were older and with physical limitations. His particular emphasis as a personal trainer was identifying basic movement problems to prevent injuries BEFORE the training started, which gave him a greater understanding about human movement and was a natural segway towards Physical Therapy.
Jeffrey graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy at The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth in 2013. He received the Dean’s research Award for the Allied Health Department and got published in multiple journals. After physical therapy school he started his career by receiving mentoring for over a year working in a vestibular/neurological specialty outpatient practice. Since then he has worked in a number of areas of physical therapy including inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, skilled nursing, memory care, and even pediatrics. In 2018 he started his own practice with the name “Optimove” with the emphasis on a combination of “optimal movement” and “optimism.”