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What Other Symptoms Are Associated with Dizziness?<\/h2>\n
Patients who experience dizziness report a variety of symptoms depending on the exact nature of their balance disorder. These include:<\/p>\n
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- Lightheadedness.<\/li>\n
- Fainting.<\/li>\n
- Unsteadiness.<\/li>\n
- Weakness.<\/li>\n
- Vertigo (the sensation of movement in your surroundings).<\/li>\n
- Confusion.<\/li>\n
- Disorientation.<\/li>\n
- Blurred vision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Diagnostic Tests for the Vestibular System<\/h2>\n
The vestibular system is complex and responsible for many of the body\u2019s functions. In order to narrow down the exact cause of dizziness, it is necessary to administer a variety of tests. These measure eye movements, head movements, hearing, function, stability, vestibular and more.<\/p>\n
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Studies indicate vestibular testing is extremely thorough and accurate in identifying inner ear disorders. Vestibular testing is also helpful in determining whether additional diagnostic testing, such as an MRI, is needed. A battery of tests is administered in most cases. The most common ones include:<\/p>\n- \n
- Acoustic Immittance Measures.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>These tests evaluate the eardrum and middle ear.<\/li>\n
- Audiometry.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>This hearing exam measures your ability to hear different sounds, pitches, and frequencies. It can determine the nature and extent of your hearing loss. It can also help determine what further testing is needed. <\/li>\n
- Electrocochleography.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>This test is used to determine whether there is excess fluid in the inner ear by measuring the electrical currents generated by sound stimulation, and can help with the diagnosis of Meniere\u2019s disease and other balance and hearing disorders.<\/li>\n
- VHIT.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>This is a new test that uses video goggles to measure ear specific disorders of the vestibulo ocular reflex.<\/li>\n
- cVEMP & oVEMP.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>These tests measure the saccula and utricle through neck and eye muscles. This test can screen for Superior Canal Dehiscence.<\/li>\n
- Videonystagmography (VNG).<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>This is similar to ENG testing, but an infrared video camera attached to a pair of goggles is used in place of electrodes. VNG is used to record eye movements in multiple different sub-tests.<\/li>\n
- Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP).<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>CDP tests measure how well the visual, vestibular and sensory systems work together to maintain balance. It includes an Adaptation Test in which the platform moves up and down and a Motor Control Test where the platform moves forward and backward. These are used to measure reflexive responses to unexpected movement. This test uses a platform to measure body sway and it can compare balance to same aged peers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These tests may be combined with additional hearing or diagnostic tests depending on the results.<\/p>\n
How Is Dizziness Treated?<\/h2>\n
Treatment for dizziness takes many forms, depending on the cause. Your doctor will try to target the underlying condition in order to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.<\/p>\n
Options include medications (antihistamines, sedatives, antibiotics, steroids), physical or occupational therapy, surgery, repositioning exercises, vestibular retraining programs and lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and elimination of alcohol and nicotine.<\/p>\n
- Audiometry.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>This hearing exam measures your ability to hear different sounds, pitches, and frequencies. It can determine the nature and extent of your hearing loss. It can also help determine what further testing is needed. <\/li>\n
- Acoustic Immittance Measures.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>These tests evaluate the eardrum and middle ear.<\/li>\n