Monitoring Equilibrium With Balances Tests

Testing balance in a patient

Your balance is a fundamental aspect of your life. Balance enables you to navigate your surroundings confidently and safely. When your balance becomes impacted, whether it be due to a fall, sickness, or gradually worsening dizziness, Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy is here to provide you with balance test neurology solutions in Columbus, IN.

What Is a Balance Test?

Balance testing serves to assess an individual’s vestibular function, vision, and hearing when they develop systems of unbalance. A balance test includes a series of evaluations and assessments that uncover inefficiencies within the balance system. The balance system is intricate, encompassing various parts of your vision, inner ear, and sensory receptors.

What Are Balance Tests Used For?

A balance test can be used to detect many different balance-related concerns. Some of the common types of balance tests include the following:

  • Vertigo and general dizziness
  • Syncope
  • Chronic imbalance
  • Ataxia
  • Frequent falls
  • Postural hypertension
  • Nystagmus

What Is The Need for Balance Testing?

Balance disorders can be sparked from various underlying conditions. A balance tests works to diagnose the root cause of the imbalance, whether it be from inner ear conditions, vestibular or neurological conditions, or side effects from medication. Once the source is diagnosed, our team works to create a custom-tailored treatment plan to remedy the imbalance.

Why Do I Need a Balance Test?

A balance test is recommended when you begin feeling symptoms of persistent unbalance. As early intervention is the most effective way to restore balance, we recommend scheduling a balance test should you recognize any of the following symptoms, including:

  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo
  • Frequent falls
  • Staggered walking
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Floating feeling
  • Feeling like you may faint
  • Confusion

What Happens If I Need a Balance Test?

Balance disorders are challenging to diagnose. The inner ear, eyes, and other parts of the body may be assessed to determine the reason for the imbalance. You may be referred to an audiologist to evaluate your ear function in relation to your balance. You may also see an otolaryngologist (ENT), as they specialize in treating problems with the ears, throat, neck, head, and nose.

What Happens During a Balance Test?

Depending on your symptoms, balance tests look different for each patient. Typically, patients will undergo a series of evaluations that target various parts of the balance system. These tests may include:

Physical therapist helping patient with balance
  • Electronystagmography or videonystagmography
  • Rotary chair test
  • Hearing test
  • Posturography
  • Dix-Hallpike maneuver
  • Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials test
  • Blood pressure and heart rate tests
  • MRI or CT scans

Am I a Candidate for Balance Testing?

Suitable candidates for balance testing include those experiencing frequent or chronic imbalance. You may schedule a balance test if you are dealing with hearing, vision, or balance concerns that have not dissipated over time. Upon a consultation, our specialists can determine the most effective types of balance testing for your specific balance problems.

When to Get Tested

Early intervention is encouraged when it comes to balance tests. If you are struggling with dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, or symptoms associated with unbalance, it’s important to schedule a consultation to determine the best types of balance tests for your needs. Addressing these concerns in a timely manner can mitigate the risk of injury and improve your quality of life.

Choose Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy

Our industry-leading ENT, sinus, and allergy medical professionals at Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy is here to provide you with the compassionate care. With decades of experience and state-of-the-art technology, we specialize in nose, ear, throat, and balance disorder treatments. Allow us to help you reclaim your balance with tailored treatments that help you achieve total comfort.

Restore Your Equilibrium Today

Restore your equilibrium with caring medical professionals who value your quality of life with Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy. Allow our specialists to guide you back to a life of optimal balance and confidence. Contact our friendly team today to discuss your balance concerns and schedule your balance tests.