Balance Evaluations

 

Dizziness is one of the most difficult symptoms to treat due to the subjective nature of the discomfort. As such, a complete evaluation for both a diagnosis and treatment plan may take several visits and a number of studies. The evaluation begins with a physician visit at which time a determination is made of what studies to obtain based on a best guess of what may be causing the dizziness. You can click here to try and diagnose what may be causing your dizziness.

Baseline initial audiolgoical studies that may be ordered include the following: Electronystagmography (ENG) Form to fill out before your ENG exam Instructions to follow before your ENG exam Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) Audiogram Other additional studies may be ordered: MRI or CT scan Ultrasound RAST allergy testing for both foods and inhalants Cardiology, Neurology, Pulmonary consultations

Based on the results of the above listed studies (which is not all-inclusive), a treatment plan may be developed. Depending on the results of these studies, you may be prescribed VRE exercises or Epley maneuvers (pre and post-treatment). There's also an iPhone application called DizzyFix to help with the Epley steps.

Some patients may be candidates for intra-tympanic steroid injections. Please note that our office will mainly focus on eliminating the labyrinth system of the ears as the cause. Further work-up is to be performed by your primary care physician.

The various causes of dizziness are listed below (NOT all-inclusive):

• Medication Side Effect
• Stroke
• Pulmonary Disease
• Cardiac Arrhthymias
• Vascular Disease (ie, carotid stenosis)
• Orthostatic Hypotension
• Hypertension
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere's Disease
• Otitis Media
• Serous Otitis Media
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
• Allergies
• Labyrinthitis
• Brain Tumors
• Acoustic Neuromas
• Poor Vision
• Trauma
• Cervical Stenosis
• Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine
• Proprioceptive Dysfunction (diabetes)
• etc.

 

Any information provided on this website should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment. Advertisements present are clearly labelled and in no way support the website or influence the contents.