BALANCE ASSESSMENT
Overview
Vestibular problems or balance problems can be caused due to disease, toxins, or trauma and can have a sudden or gradual onset. Disorders of the vestibular system and its interconnections with the brain may cause a variety of serious problems, including falls, imbalance, dizziness, spatial disorientation, and blurring of vision and can be acute/chronic and debilitating.
Assessment of the vestibular system is conducted through a series of tests designed to measure the vestibulo-ocular reflex via eye movement.
The assessment usually involves taking a detailed case history and understanding the patient’s symptoms and any aggravating factors. It is followed by bedside balance assessment which implies checking of any overt or obvious nystagmus of the eyes and checking for Vestibulo-ocular reflex function.
Videonystagmography, the measurement of this reflex, is achieved through the patient wearing video goggles.
- Optokinetic Tests require the patient to follow a series of lights on a TV screen to measure the reflex.
- Positional and positioning tests measure the response of the vestibular system to changes in head and body position.
- Caloric testing involves warm and cold air being blown gently into the ear for about one minute. The temperature change created causes the fluid in the semicircular canals to move. This process induces dizziness which is then evaluated for any abnormalities.
Vestibular testing usually requires medical referral.
Audiologists at Vital Hearing are experienced and skilled to give you the right advice for any balance related issue.
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Balance Assessment
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FAQ'S
A balance assessment is a series of tests and evaluations performed by healthcare experts such as otolaryngologists, audiologists or physical therapists to measure a person’s balance function. The examination seeks to detect any underlying difficulties or disorders that may be causing balance challenges, as well as to recommend appropriate therapy or management measures.
Balance issues can have a variety of causes, and a balance exam can assist uncover the underlying variables that are causing the problem. Inner ear disorders (such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or Meniere’s disease), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, medication side effects, neurological conditions, orthopaedic problems, and certain medical conditions (such as diabetes or low blood pressure) are common causes of balance problems that may be evaluated.
Treatment options for balance disorders are determined by the individual cause and degree of the problem. They may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), which consists of specialized exercises to improve balance and reduce symptoms, medication to manage underlying conditions, lifestyle changes (such as dietary changes or changes to daily activities), and, in some cases, surgical interventions. Treatment regimens are individualized and may include a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare specialists from various specializations.
A healthcare practitioner will often analyze your medical history, perform a physical examination, and administer a battery of tests to measure your balance function during a balancing assessment. Depending on the probable source of the balance problem, these tests may include videonystagmography (VNG), which evaluates eye movements during certain exercises, posturography, which measures body sway and stability, and other specialised testing. The evaluation could take place at a clinic or specialised balance centre. In absence of VNG equipment, the clinician may perform bedside assessment of balance function and make observations to determine potential cause of someone’s balance concerns.
The length of a balance assessment can vary based on the case’s complexity and the individual tests done. A balance assessment might take anything from 30 minutes to a couple of hours or more. The level of discomfort felt throughout the evaluation is determined by the tests being administered. Some procedures, such as the caloric test in VNG, may cause brief dizziness or discomfort, but healthcare experts strive to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. It is critical to express any concerns or discomfort to the healthcare expert performing the assessment.