Meet our Specialist:
Gregory O’Connor, PT, DPT, MS, Cert MDT, Vestibular Specialist – Greg completed his undergraduate education at the University of Delaware, where he studied Athletic Training. While at UD, Greg had the opportunity to work with athletes at a variety of levels ranging from high school to Division 1 collegiate athletics covering sports including football, ice hockey, baseball, women’s soccer, track and field, basketball, and men’s lacrosse. Following his undergraduate career, Greg furthered his athletic training education by earning a Master of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2016 before beginning physical therapy school. In 2019, Greg graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Rutgers University. During his tenure at Rutgers, Greg was involved in multiple research projects and served as a teaching assistant for the Neuroscience course offered at the university.He also developed a passion for orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy completing four clinical affiliations including rotations at Hands On Physical Therapy as well as on the Brain Trauma Unit of the JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. In addition to his educational experience, Greg has also been certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT) from the McKenzie Institute in 2021 as well as obtaining a certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion certification from the American Institute of Balance in 2022. Like many others at Hands On, Greg also has a desire to serve the community, which he has done through participation in a pro bono clinic during his time at Rutgers University and through service initiatives with his local church.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning. Even when being still, you may feel like you are moving or that the room is moving around you. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abnormal eye movements. This Disequilibrium is an unsteadiness, imbalance or difficulty in maintaining balance.
What is Dizziness?
Dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness, faintness or unsteadiness.
What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?
This vestibular condition occurs when the calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia), found in the vestibular system become dislodged. They migrate into the fluid filled semicircular canals and cause vertigo when moving into certain positions (laying down, rolling in bed, looking up and down). This can occur from head injury, cold/sinus infections, and often for no reason. Because the otoconia will degenerate with age, it is the most common reason for vertigo in individuals over 65 years old.
What is Vestibular Labrynthitis / Neuronitis?
These conditions occur when a viral infection causes damage to the hearing and vestibular nerve (labyrinthitis), resulting in dizziness/balance function, and a hearing loss. Vestibular Neuronitis is a viral infection that results in dizziness and balance issues (without a hearing loss).
What is an Acoustic Neuroma (pre/post surgery)?
Is a very slow growing benign tumor which over time can eventually compromise and press on the vestibular
and/or cochlear (hearing) nerve. This gradually results in diminished balance and/or hearing.
What is Meniere’s disease?
This condition is a result of abnormalities in the amount or pressure of the endolymph fluid that is within the inner ear. Individuals will have episodes of vertigo usually lasting hours, with nausea and may be accompanied by hearing loss, ear fullness and tinnitus.
What is Mal de debarquement?
This is a sensation of rocking or movement that persists after a
cruise or air travel. Individuals will feel like they are still on the “boat” when on stable ground.
What is Cervicogenic Dizziness?
This is a clinical syndrome of disequilibrium and disorientation/dizziness in patients with neck problems that include cervical trauma (whiplash), arthritis and muscle spasms.
What is Ototoxicity?
This vestibular condition is caused by exposure to certain drugs or chemicals (ie, intravenous amino glycoside antibiotics) that damage the inner ear nerve hair cells or the vestibulo-cochlear nerve. This can result in dizziness, imbalance and commonly a sensation that the environment “bounces” (oscillopsia) when moving or walking.
What is Migraine Associated Vertigo?
This is typically characterized by head pain with symptoms associated with vestibular impairment such as motion,
light and sound sensitivity; tinnitus, dizziness and imbalance.
Neurological conditions
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke can result in dizziness/vertigo, imbalance and gait abnormalities, as well a risk for falls.
Traumatic Brain Injury/ Concussion
Dizziness, vertigo and imbalance can result from trauma to the brain. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a common occurrence following head trauma. Other symptoms which may occur are vision issues, memory and sleep changes, and headaches.