Symptoms of a balance and dizziness disorder

Do you experience one of the three common symptoms of a vestibular disorder?

Vertigo

Here you may feel like the world is revolving around you: there is a sense of spinning even while you’re standing or sitting still.

Dizziness

Here you may feel a sense of giddiness when you move your head, often accompanied by lightheadedness.

Disequilibrium

Here you may feel a sense of unsteadiness or imbalance that is worsened by movement or environmental influences.

BALANCE & DIZZINESS QUESTIONNAIRE:

Do you feel…

A sensation of motion, spinning, or falling when moving your head quickly, or changing your position (for example, when getting in and out of bed)? Yes No
Uncomfortable trying to walk in the dark? Yes No
That walking down grocery store aisles or through a mall is disturbing? Yes No
Your feet just won’t go where you want them to? Yes No
A sense of unsteadiness? A feeling that you are not surefooted? Yes No
Difficulty keeping your balance as you walk on different surfaces, e.g. from tile to carpet? Yes No
That you are drifting or being pulled to one side when walking? Yes No
That no-one really understands how frustrating all this is? Yes No

If you answered ‘Yes’ to two or more of these questions, it’s time to consider a vestibular and equilibrium evaluation. The good news, is that in 90% of cases, a balance disorder can be successfully treated once properly diagnosed.

Contact us today. We can help.

Possible Causes

There are several causes of vertigo, dizziness or balance disorders. The exact cause of your specific condition can only be determined as part of an extensive evaluation.

We’ve found that vertigo and dizziness are generally caused by the ear, nerves or central disorder. Other causes include medical disorders, infections, anaemia, diabetes mellitus, psychiatric disorders or drugs.

Read up on some of the medical disorders that can cause these conditions – Click here.

Our Assessments

Here’s what you need to know about our diagnostic assessments:

  • They usually require approximately 3 hours of your time.
  • We conduct an extensive evaluation involving several professionals. The team usually includes an audiologist, ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist and/or a neurologist.
  • The assessment may leave you feeling slightly dizzy or off-balance, so it’s a good idea to arrange for someone else to drive you home afterwards.

Tami Mehl Audiology carries out a wide range of assessments. Yours may include:

  • Diagnostic hearing assessment
  • Posture and gait assessment (using Computerized Dynamic Posturography or CDP)
  • Positional and positioning assessment
  • Videonystagmography (VNG)
  • Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing
  • Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPS)
  • Video Head-Impulse Test (vHIT)
  • Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) & Gaze Stabilization Test (GST)

Please click here to download a PDF containing more info on the above assessments.

Click here for a list of instructions to follow if you’re scheduled for a VNG.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

An alternative to medication, this exercise-based programme aims at reducing the symptoms of disequilibrium and dizziness associated with a vestibular disorder.

Why exercise?

Research shows that medications that suppress vestibular function can cause drowsiness and may limit a person’s ability to function fully in the long term. VRT uses specific exercises to eliminate or significantly reduce the symptoms of disequilibrium and dizziness and promote recovery.

NEWS FLASH: New Treatment! Tami Mehl Audiology now offers the internationally acclaimed treatment for Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) – this rare, disabling movement disorder is characterised by the continuous sensation of rocking or swaying while on solid ground. Our success rates of over 70% equals the results reported by Mount Sinai Hospital, where the treatment was first proposed.

Read more about Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) here.

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