DIAGNOSING BALANCE DISORDERS
Balance disorders are very difficult to diagnose and treat because often times, there is more than one underlying cause. Knowledge of all the sensory systems that contribute to balance as well as how each system works together and interacts with the brain is essential.
- Case History – is one of the most important components in diagnosing balance disorders. Details re: the imbalance can often determine which part of the inner ear or brain is involved.
- Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation – the hearing system and the vestibular system are very close in physical proximity. They function together. Any part of the ear can cause and/or contribute to a loss of balance.
- Auditory Brainstem Response - tests both the ear and the brain by measuring the timing of electrical waves from the brainstem.
- Voluntary Eye Movement Testing – measures the ability to coordinate eye movements with head movements crucial for walking, driving, etc.
- Videonystagmography (VNG) – computerized testing that measures, records and analyzes eye movements under various conditions.
- Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) – measures and tracks all of the components (eyes, inner ear, muscles and joints) involved in maintaining balance.
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