A recent analysis from the Institute of Health Economics (IHE) has found that vestibular dysfunction and balance impairment create a significant, yet underrecognized, burden on healthcare systems. The report, titled Economic Burden of Vestibular Dysfunction, outlines both economic and quality-of-life impacts related to vestibular disorders and increased fall risks. Although the study was conducted from a Canadian public payer perspective, its authors state that the results are relevant for U.S. and other health systems due to similar care pathways and demographic trends.
The analysis shows that these conditions lead to considerable losses in health-related quality of life for patients across all age groups while increasing strain on caregivers. According to the findings, vestibular dysfunction is highly prevalent among older adults who experience falls, contributing billions annually in healthcare costs due to hospitalizations, emergency visits, longer stays in medical facilities, more frequent re-admissions, and long-term loss of independence.
Current diagnostic approaches for balance issues are described as fragmented and reactive. They often rely on subjective assessments or costly technologies with limited accessibility. As a result, many patients face delayed diagnoses which can lead to preventable falls and additional pressure on healthcare resources.
Sasha van Katwyk, Senior Health Economist at IHE, commented: “These findings point to a misalignment between the scale of the unmet need and the tools currently available to address it. Our analysis suggests there is substantial opportunity for innovations that support earlier detection and more effective management, particularly in aging populations. If these innovations achieve their expected clinical effectiveness, the potential economic benefits could be significant.”
The report identifies that current interventions—including rehabilitation therapy, medications, assistive devices, and passive fall detection—mainly focus on compensating for lost function rather than restoring it. It also estimates that early diagnosis combined with effective management could provide approximately $10,000 in lifetime value per patient; greater restoration of function or risk reduction may generate up to $85,000 over a lifetime.
John Ralston, CEO of Neursantys—a company mentioned as developing new approaches—stated: “This independent analysis validates what patients and clinicians see every day—that balance disorders are common, costly, and too often addressed too late. The economic value identified in this study falls well within acceptable willingness-to-pay thresholds and is comparable to established restorative interventions that reduce disability and long-term care needs, such as hip and knee joint replacement surgeries and advanced heart failure care.”
IHE’s findings emphasize how new solutions like those developed by Neursantys may enable earlier intervention through objective diagnostics and non-invasive therapies. Early detection could help break cycles where fear of falling leads to reduced activity levels followed by further physical decline.
Age-related vestibular impairment affects an estimated 55% of adults over 50 years old according to the report’s data—underscoring its impact as one of preventive medicine’s largest untapped opportunities. Neursantys is working with partners across Canada and the U.S. not only on age-related cases but also exploring applications in neuromotor diseases, trauma-induced dysfunctions, and pediatric development concerns.
The breadth of these initiatives highlights vestibular dysfunction as an underserved area where innovation could benefit patients along with providers and payers.
