Balance Solutions

The complexities of the systems that control an individuals balance requires that diagnostic measures go beyond the measurement of simple movement. BALANCE SOLUTIONS at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute provides a comprehensive evaluation investigating vestibular, visual, postural, and neurologic systems using the most advanced technology available in the region to determine the cause of the disorder.

What is a Vestibular Disorder?

A disturbance that causes an individual to feel unsteady, giddy, woozy, or have the sensation of movement, spinning or floating. An organ in our inner ear, the labyrinth, is an important part of our vestibular (balance) system. The labyrinth acts with other systems in our body, such as the visual (eyes), and skeletal (bones/joints) systems to maintain the body's position. These three systems, along with the brain and nervous system an be a source of balance problems.

What are the Symptoms?

• A sensation of dizziness or vertigo

• Falling or feeling of falling

• Lightheadedness or feeling woozy

• Visual Blurring

• Disorientation

Testing Beyond the Standard of Care Balance Solutions:

Rotational Chair Analysis

Many times our head movements are much faster than those tested by traditional balance studies. The Rotational Chair measures the performance of the vestibular system at various speeds to assess function during rapid head movement. During this test, you will sit in a computer controlled chair that moves in a circle. Video cameras measure the visual reflexes that occur when your labyrinth sends a message through your nervous system. The information gathered from this measure can be very helpful when other studies yield inclusive results.

Videonystagmography

Identifies vestibular dysfunction or neurologic issues by measuring a visual reflex that occurs when the labyrinth sends a message through your nervous system. Eye movements are recorded using infrared cameras mounted inside goggles

Computer Dynamic Posturography

Tells your physician which parts of the balance system you rely on most and which parts may be causing your balance problems. You will stand on a platform and simply keep your balance under various conditions while your vestibular, visual and postural systems are assessed.

Dynamic Visual Acuity

Assesses the ability of an individual to perceive objects accurately during movement. Keeping objects visually stabilized in your environments while you move is critical to maintaining your balance and reducing the risk of falling.