Dizziness and Balance
The Vestibular system is the part of your inner ear which helps you maintain your balance. This system works in conjunction with your eyes and movement sensors on the skin, muscles and joints to help to maintain balance and equilibrium. If there is a disturbance in one of these systems or in the pathways that allow them to communicate with the brain or with each other, the patient will feel dizzy or unsteady.
Cairns Audiology Group works closely with local and national Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, Neurologists, Allied Health Providers and General Practitioners to aid in the assessment of the vestibular system and identification of peripheral and central vestibular pathologies.
Our university qualified Audiologists are trained in the latest assessment techniques and use state of the art technology to ensure accuracy of results.
Assessment of the vestibular system is conducted through a series of tests designed to measure the vestibulo-ocular reflex via eye movement. These tests include;
- Videonystagmography (VNG)
- Oculomotor Testing
- Bithermal Caloric Assessment
- Positional Assessments including the Dix-Hallpike Assessment
- Video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT)
Videonystagmography (VNG)
is the measurement of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) which is achieved through the patient wearing infra-red video goggles which allow close monitoring and recording of abnormal eye movements.
Oculomotor Tests
Requires the patient to follow a series of light patters on a TV screen to measure the reflex.
Positional Tests
Measures the response of the vestibular system to changes in head and body position.
Bithermal Caloric
Assessment involves warm and cold air being blown gently into the ear for about one minute. The temperature change created causes the fluid in the semicircular canals to move and the degree of response is compared between ears to monitor for any weakness on an individual side.Video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT)
Video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT)
Evaluates how well the eyes and inner ears work together. During this test a small set of glasses with a camera are used to monitor eye movements during a test of very small and quick movements of the head.
Click here for more information on balance and its assessment and management
*Cancellation fees will apply for any specialist diagnostic appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice or for non-attendance without notice.