BALANCE ASSESSMENT

One in 25 persons will experience true vertigo (spinning, false movement sensation) after the age of 45. Except for low back pain, dizziness is the most common complaint patients offer their primary care provider. Our dizziness assessment protocol includes a series of questionnaires and easily tolerated tests to evaluate the physiologic status of both inner ear (labyrinthine) and brainstem/cerebellar segments of the balance system. Results of the tests enable objective evaluation of normal and abnormal function and provide information about factors contributing to the patient's complaint of dizziness. The testing protocol takes about an hour. It includes an extensive balance history, inventory of medications and perceptual assessment of the impact of the balance problems. The results are interpreted and sent to the referring health care practitioner usually within 24 hours. Specific recommendations may include vestibular rehabilitation planning, specific balance exercises to be completed in our office. Fall precautions may be issued with specific recommendations to improve safety in each patient's individual residence or community.