Balance Questions
Do you have questions about balance & dizziness problems? Here at South Shore Hearing Center we have the answers. Below are some questions that are commonly asked by patients and some helpful answers. If we did not answer your question, please Contact Us via the email form on your left or give us a call at 781 337 6860, we will be glad to help!
- My mother has recently complained of feeling light-headed or dizzy. What could be causing it, and is there a cure?
- What are some common causes of balance and dizziness problems?
- What tests are typically used when evaluating dizziness and balance?
- What is Electronystagmography (ENG) / Videonystagmography (VNG)?
- What type of treatments are available for dizziness and balance problems?
My mother has recently complained of feeling light-headed or dizzy. What could be causing it, and is there a cure?
Dizziness is a symptom of a problem, not a disease. Although there are many potential causes of dizziness, 85% of these cases can be attributed to inner ear (vestibular) problems. Successful treatment of dizziness requires first the correct diagnosis of the cause. Once that is determined, then successful treatment can be designed. This may include medical and/or audiologic or in some cases physical therapy.
Your mother should first contact her primary physician to make sure there is not a medical condition needing attention. Next, a thorough vestibular evaluation by a licensed audiologist who is experienced in testing and treating dizziness should be performed. Following that testing, additional recommendations or referrals may be made. Because of the potential for falls, dizziness should not be overlooked but completely evaluated and if possible treated.
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What are some common causes of balance and dizziness problems?
Most dizziness and balance cases are caused by an inner ear disorder. Although most often the causes of dizziness are not serious, dizziness can lead to falls and other more serious problems. For that reason, dizziness or balance problems should be brought to the attention of your physician.
Some Common Causes:
- Menieres Disease
- Labyrinthitis inner ear infection
- Viral infections
- Head trauma
- High or low blood pressure
- Some medication or combination of medications
- Tumors
- Vascular reduced blood flow to the inner ear due to a rupture of tiny blood vessels in the inner ear
- Neuronitis irritation of the nerve from the inner ear to the brain
- Other neurologic disorders
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What tests are typically used when evaluating dizziness and balance?
Various tests can be performed to evaluate the cause of the problem. The most recommended tests are:
- Electronystagmography (ENG) / Videonystagmography (VNG)
- MRI or CAT Scans
- Posturography
- Rotation Tests
- Hearing Tests
- Other tests depending on symptoms and history
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What is Electronystagmography (ENG) / Videonystagmography (VNG)?
VNG/ENG is a series of tests designed to evaluate dizziness and related conditions. It is a non-invasive procedure. The test involves wearing goggles with video cameras to record eye movements called nystagmus.
There are three basic components to a VNG evaluation:
- Oculomotor (eye movement) testing: During this portion of the test, the patient is sitting up and looking at a red dot as it moves on a light bar.
- Positional testing: This patient will move into several positions during this part of the evaluation. These are ordinary positions, such as lying flat and turning the head to the right and left. There is no rapid movement during positional testing.
- Caloric testing: Caloric testing is a painless procedure which evaluates the balance portion of the inner ear. Warm and cool air (six degrees above and below body temperature) will be separately circulated into each ear canal. Eye movements will be recorded to determine if there are any differences between the right and left ear.
Patients commonly ask if they will become dizzy during the evaluation. They may at certain times, but typically the dizziness will last no more than one minute. Most of the time the dizziness they do experience is far less than their own symptoms. At the conclusion of the testing, the patient will not feel any differently than when the testing began. Following review and test interpretation, a complete report will be sent to the referring physician within 48 hours.
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What type of treatments are available for dizziness and balance problems?
The treatment will vary depending on the cause and diagnosis. In mild cases, symptoms may go away on their own. Other cases require treatment, which may include:
- Medications
- Otolith Repositioning
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Diets
- Surgery
- Various other treatments depending on origin of the problem