Vestibular (balance/dizziness)
Do you have problems with dizziness, balance or sensation of spinning? We can help. Our audiologists provide diagnostic testing to evaluate problems of balance and vertigo. Test results help determine the cause of problems and provide help in finding solutions. Many patients who previously struggled from the effects of debilitating equilibrium are able to return to normal lives as a result.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling our office directly or through medical referral from your physician. Services referred by your physician are covered by Medicare and most insurances.
As members of the Vestibular Technologies Network of healthcare professionals, our audiologists are trained experts in balance and vestibular testing and therapy.
Vestibular Services Available
Diagnostic Audiological Evaluation
Since many equilibrium problems are directly related to an inner ear disorder, our expertly trained audiologists perform a full diagnostic hearing evaluation to identify any contributing hearing problems.
Modified Dynamic Computerized Posturography Evalaution
Posturography objectively measures a patient's ability to maintain their balance. This is the best test to identify patients that are at high risk for falls. Results may also be used as a baseline to monitor improvement with treatment.
Video-Nystagmography (VNG) Evaluation
Eye Dynamics Computer Based ENG and Infrared Video-oculography
This series of test procedures evaluates the vestibular system which is the balance portion of the inner ear. The patient wears goggles which have a miniature infrared video camera. This is used to measure eye movements in response to head movement. By evaluating computerized diagnostic test results, we are able to differentiate between central and peripheral vestibular pathologies.
Hallpike Maneuver
This is the gold standard maneuver to identify benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This disorder of the inner ear is the most common cause of vertigo. It is also very treatable with a 95% or greater successful treatment rate. The maneuver involves lying the patient down with his head turned slightly to either the right or left. The eye movements (ie: nystagmus) are measured and analyzed using a computer and video monitor. Upon proper diagnosis, the appropriate treatment can be performed to help eliminate the dizziness that is felt when the head is put in certain positions.
Caloric Irrigation Test:
This is usually the most informative subtest of the evaluation because it can be used to tentatively evaluate and diagnose an imbalance in the peripheral vestibular system. The test involves putting cold and warm air into each ear individually and measuring the normal eye movement response (nystagmus). The two sides are then compared to one another for asymmetric function that might be contributing to the patient's feeling of dizziness. This test may provoke a temporary sensation of dizziness that usually lasts for only a few minutes.
Treatment Plan Recommendations
Based on test results, referrals may be made for treatment and/or further evaluation to the Primary Care Physician, Otolaryngologists, Neurologists, or Physical Therapists. We also offer treatment for vestibular disorders including repositioning maneuvers for BPPV.