Balance

Diagnostic balance services in South Florida.

Overview

Balance Disorders

An estimated 90 million Americans will experience dizziness at least once in their lifetime. The causes of peripheral and central vestibular disorders includes the following: age-related multisensory deficits, strokes and vascular insufficiencies, cerebellar degeneration, chemical and drug toxicities, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, uncompensated Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and head trauma. Balance disorders are significant risk factors for falls in individuals 65 years and older.

At Labyrinth Audiology, we offer diagnostic balance and vestibular testing to identify the cause of your dizziness, so we can help you find the right solution.

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Vestibular and balance testing at Labyrinth Audiology

Diagnostics

Vestibular Testing

Labyrinth Audiology offers the latest in diagnostic vestibular testing. The purpose is to determine if the inner ear balance organs are functioning properly. We offer the following testing for balance disorders:

01
Electrocochleography (EcochG)

Tests for Meniere's disease.
02
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)

Assists our specialists in determining if there is a dysfunction of the saccule or inferior vestibular nerve.
03
Videonystagmography Testing (VNG)

Assists our specialists in determining if the patient's dizziness is caused by inner ear dysfunction, BPPV, or central pathology.

These tests will help our audiologists determine if a vestibular disorder is present and what the best treatment plan is.

Treatment

Treating Vertigo and Balance Concerns

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has been highly effective for most individuals with disorders of the vestibular or central balance system. In many studies, customized VRT programs were significantly more effective than generic exercises in resolving symptoms.

The basis for the success of VRT is the use of existing neural mechanisms in the brain for adaptation, plasticity, and compensation. The extent of vestibular compensation and adaptation is closely related to the direction, duration, frequency, magnitude, and nature of the retraining stimulus. Specifically designed VRT exercise protocols take advantage of this plasticity of the brain to increase sensitivity and restore symmetry, which results in an improvement in vestibule-ocular control, an increase in the gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), better postural strategies, and increased levels of motor control for movement.

Other factors that may affect the degree of individual compensation that can be achieved include overall physical status, the functional status of remaining sensory systems, integrity of central brain mechanisms, age, and higher sensory functions such as memory, motor coordination, and cognitive ability.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dizziness or vertigo, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Research presentations

By Dr. Ali Danesh

Dr. Ali Danesh on understanding vertigo and balance disorders

Learning Corner Feature

Understanding Vertigo and Balance Disorders by Professor Ali Danesh

This document, presented by Dr. Ali Danesh of Labyrinth Audiology, provides an overview of vertigo and balance disorders. It explains how our eyes, ears, muscles, joints, and brain contribute to balance, with a particular emphasis on the vestibular system. The text defines vertigo and balance disorders, discusses their impact on the elderly, and outlines the mechanisms of balance. Furthermore, it details causes, symptoms, and types of balance issues, along with diagnostic tests like VNG and potential treatments, including vestibular rehabilitation and fall prevention strategies.

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Learning Corner Feature

Human Vestibular System and its Disorders

This educational presentation by Professor Dr. Ali Danesh examines the human vestibular system, frequently described as our internal GPS for maintaining balance and orientation. The material details the complex anatomy of the inner ear, specifically how fluid-filled canals and specialized sensory hair cells detect head movement and gravitational changes. It explores essential neurological reflexes that stabilize our vision and posture during physical activity. The text also covers various clinical disorders, such as vertigo (BPPV) and vestibulotoxicity, alongside modern diagnostic bedside tests. Finally, it introduces therapeutic interventions like the Repositioning Maneuvers and highlights cutting-edge research in AI-driven remote screening for balance issues.

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