Dizzy... spinning... lightheaded... vertigo?

Whatever you call it, nobody likes it. Dizziness, like pain, can be a warning that something else may be wrong. It is the third most common complaint to physicians, resulting in over 6 million office visits a year. Dizziness can occur along with other symptoms. Nausea, anxiety, tinnitus (chronic ringing in the ears), hearing loss or ear pressure should be brought to the attention of your doctor or one of our audiologists. Almost 85% of dizziness complaints can be attributed to inner ear disturbances. It can be a symptom of inner ear infection, cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure or anemia, reaction to medications, or other potential problems. It is very important to report symptoms of dizziness to your doctor. They can determine if diagnostic testing is necessary.

Are you dizzy?

Comprehensive Vestibular and Diagnostic Audiology Program
The Balance system is primarily located in the inner ear but in order to maintain good balance the balance system relies on the smooth transmission of information among the brain, brainstem, eyes, somatosensory system and the inner ear. When there is a disruption of information in any area, the body has a more difficult time determining where it should be, which is perceived as being off balance.

The diagnostic process is an art and a science that begins with the partnership between you, your physician and Audiologist.

Diagnosing dizziness is a process that usually involves several tests. It starts with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Specific information describing your symptoms helps in determining the final diagnosis.

The first test is usually a hearing test to determine if the inner ear has been affected in any way. Electronystagmography, ENG for short, is the primary test for determining inner ear vestibular function. The ENG is a series of non-invasive computerized tests to evaluate the transmission of information by the individual components of the balance system. The entire test may take up to one and a half hours.

Balance Treatment
and Rehabilitation

Once a diagnosis is determined, a range of treatments has been proven safe and effective in controlling most of the disorders underlying dizziness. Some conditions can be controlled with medication, others with diet and some require surgical intervention. More recently, physical therapy and exercise have been added to the treatment options for dizziness.

Each program is individualized according to the patient's diagnosis and prognosis. Success is varied but many patients' symptoms are alleviated or at least lessened in the majority (90%) of cases of peripheral vestibular lesions and benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV). Statistically BPPV is the number one cause of dizziness in adults aged 60 years or over.