Balance Center
The Balance Center at Arkansas Otolaryngology Center is designed to fully evaluate patients of all ages with vertigo and balance disorders. The vestibular system consists of the inner ears and the brain stem along with inputs from the eyes and ankles. This system helps us maintain our center of gravity. Dysfunction of the vestibular system causes symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, as well as balance problems.
All patients with vestibular complaints undergo a full examination by our medical staff which includes two neurotologists. Appropriate audiologic testing is performed. When indicated, vestibular testing including dynamic posturography and video electronystagmography is preformed at the Kanis office. These tests help indicate the location and severity of vestibular dysfunction. This helps guide therapy which frequently includes vestibular rehabilitation.
Vestibular rehabilitation is a relatively new discipline that has been designed to help people with dizziness and imbalance. A new application of old ideas, vestibular rehabilitation uses techniques from physical therapy and occupational therapy to treat patients with vertigo and balance disorders. Assisted by a computerized balance feedback machine, this type of therapy has been responsible for some measurable improvement in the majority of patients.
What is a Balance Center?
Our Balance Center is designed to diagnose and treat disorders that cause dizziness, vertigo, balance problems and equilibrium disorders through a variety of assessments of your vestibular system, the part of your body that helps maintain your center of gravity. A neurotologist will perform a full medical exam, and then audiologic testing will be done. Additional vestibular testing may be required to determine location and severity of your dysfunction. Whether the cause of your symptoms is inner ear related or simply a side effect of medication you are currently taking, we will help get you the treatment you need to get you back to your normal self again.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation that you or the room around you is spinning or moving. This may be triggered by moving your head too quickly, but medications you are taking or issues in the middle ear may be the cause of it as well. This is more severe than just feeling dizzy though. When the dizziness begins to cause balance issues, you will know it is more likely vertigo. This can last a few seconds or for hours at a time. Severe vertigo could even last days, weeks, or months. Our neurotologists are trained to diagnose and treat the cause of your vertigo.
What type of doctor treats vertigo and balance disorders?
Neurotologists treat vertigo and balance disorders in a variety of ways. These are specialized doctors who are able to operate on the parts of the brain and nervous system that affect hearing and balance. They are trained to determine what treatment is right for you and answer any questions you have regarding your diagnosis. We have two neurotologists on staff at our Balance Center who are ready to assess and treat whatever is causing your symptoms.
What are the treatment options for dizziness?
Generally, treatments such as increasing water intake, eating a healthy diet, avoiding stress, and getting adequate sleep are suggested as ways to treat dizziness. However, specific treatment options cannot be discussed until a cause of the dizziness has been determined. If your cause is determined to be inner ear related, we may suggest an antihistamine to clear up any fluid on the eardrum or recommend a surgery to correct a structural concern. However, the treatment would be different if your dizziness is related to a medication you are currently taking or another underlying health concern. We are here to help determine the cause and help you get on the right treatment plan to correct the issue.
What treatment options do you provide for vertigo/balance disorders?
We offer vestibular rehabilitation to help treat the cause of your symptoms. Through a combination of physical therapy and occupational therapy techniques, we input data into our system, and our computerized balance feedback machine will provide measurable data to show your improvement. We have taken old ideas and are using them in new ways to provide the treatment you need to strengthen your vestibular system.