|
BALANCE ASSESSMENT
Dizziness is the second most common complaint that people report to their doctors
(second to backache). Many causes of dizziness are able to be diagnosed and
treated, with detection facilitated by computerized diagnostic testing available
today. Dizziness is experienced in a variety of ways: as lightheadedness, as
if moving when still, or as if they or the world is spinning. Some people don't
experience these sensations, but simply cannot maintain their balance.
Dizziness may occur along with other symptoms such as hearing loss, fullness
in the ears, nausea, anxiety, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Dizziness may be a symptom of a variety of health problems. Your physician's
challenge is to determine the underlying cause. Often the problem involves
the vestibular system - the inner ear system which works to control balance.
Other possible underlying causes may be found in the central nervous system
(brainstem and brain), or may point to cardiovascular problems such as high
blood pressure. Dizziness may also result from bacterial or viral infections,
or may be related to certain types of medications.
The diagnostic process involves good communication between patient and doctor.
The patient's clear description of the sensations experienced is helpful in
arriving at a diagnosis. Sometimes a specific cause for dizziness is not determined,
but by ruling out a variety of possibilities, the patient and doctor can manage
the symptoms and facilitate the body's self-correcting mechanisms to take effect.
As many factors may play a role in balance and dizziness issues, diagnosing
dizziness may be a complex process. A complete history comes first, and then
several tests are often recommended. The balance system (vestibular system)
is mainly located in the inner ear, and so diagnostic hearing and vestibular
test batteries are often performed.
Although the balance system is located in the inner ear, it has connections
with the eyes, the brainstem and brain, and nerve pathways throughout the body.
One measurable sign of activity in the balance system is a rapid, involuntary
eye movement called nystagmus. By stimulating the vestibular system and monitoring
the eye movement responses, much can be learned about the function of the patient's
balance system.
This test is called a VNG (videonystagmography) which tracks eye movements
with video recording, or ENG (electronystagmography) which tracks eye movements
with electrical signals.
VNG/ENG is a set of tests that contribute information useful in diagnosing
dizziness. In one test, rapid side-to-side eyes movements are measured. In
another, the ability to smoothly follow a moving target is measured. Other
parts of the test determine whether certain positions trigger dizziness, or
whether the act of changing position brings on dizziness. Caloric tests involve
the introduction of cool and warm air into the ear canal and comparing the
eye movement response of the right and left ears. The test sequence takes about
45 minutes. There is no discomfort involved.
The results of the VNG/ENG tests may contribute to a diagnosis of your dizziness,
and help your physician plan how to best manage or alleviate your symptoms.
Some conditions can be managed medically. Some can be treated in our office
with special "maneuvers" - simple movements of the head and body.
Others may benefit from physical therapy and exercise.
The key to resolution of dizziness is accurate prompt diagnosis. Advanced diagnostic
instrumentation allows us to make a significant contribution to this process.
Find an office near you
Audionics, Providing quality hearing care to New Yorkers for over 50 Years. © 2000-2007
Audionics All Rights Reserved
|
