If you or a loved one have any of the below symptoms, you may benefit from the diagnostic testing offered at Missouri Delta ReBalance & Dizziness Center. Our Audiologist, who specializes in vestibular services, performs a comprehensive evaluation with data interpretation and combines test findings with current evidence-based research, experience, and expertise. He then discusses interpretation and recommends meaningful solutions and personalized treatment options to both the patient and your medical provider. Testing is NOT invasive or painful. A trusted family member or friend is welcome to stay throughout the testing process.
Do I have a vestibular and balance disorder?
Symptoms can be mild and intermittent to persistent and life-altering. Many patients express to us their feelings of frustration and hopelessness with the varied symptoms that accompany their illness.
Symptoms Include
- Sensation that you or your environment is moving or spinning
- Dizziness, lightheaded or fainting sensation
- Imbalance and spatial disorientation
- Motion intolerance
- Frequent falls or instability
- Visual disturbances: seeing double or blurring
- Visual difficulty while shopping in aisles, scrolling computer screens, riding in cars
- Fatigue- both physical and mental
- Confusion
- Difficulty with concentration or memory
- Irritability
- Cognitive or psychological changes (tearful, easily frustrated, feelings of depression)
- Feeling “Slowed down” or “Just not right”
- Changes in hearing
- Ringing in ears
- Headaches
- Pressure in head
- Neck pain
- Nausea/vomiting
- Light or noise sensitivity
I have been diagnosed with a vestibular or balance disorder. Now what?
It is important to seek Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Therapy (VBRT) with a Certified Vestibular and Balance Physical Therapist. Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Therapy (VBRT) is a specialized form of physical therapy that treats the debilitating effects of dizziness and balance disorders. Missouri Delta ReBalance & Dizziness Center is one of only two clinics in the state of Missouri (the other in Kansas City) that offers both a Vestibular Specialized Audiologist and Physical Therapist. Treatment is targeted and efficient so you can quickly see results. Every treatment plan is customized to ensure a successful outcome.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT & BEYOND
*Please carefully read and follow instructions listed below PRIOR to your vestibular evaluation appointment:
Before your appointment:
- Stop taking any medication used to treat dizziness or nausea 48 hours prior to your appointment. This can affect the accuracy of testing results. Your appointment will need to be rescheduled if you do not follow this instruction.
- Do not consume alcohol 12 hours prior to your appointment. This can affect the accuracy of testing results. Your appointment will need to be rescheduled if you do not follow this instruction.
- Do not eat anything 8 hours prior to your appointment. This is to help prevent vomiting.
- Do not drink any fluids 1 hour prior to your appointment. This is to help prevent vomiting.
- Be sure your EYES, FACE and NECK are free of any lotion or makeup products.
- Be sure your neck is free of any FACIAL HAIR.
Complete Intake Form prior to your appointment.
For your appointment:
- Bring a list of all medications including frequency of use and dosage.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Mild dizziness can be expected throughout the testing. Your Vestibular Specialist will make testing as comfortable as possible.
The Vestibular and Inner Ear System can be complex and difficult to understand:
The vestibular and inner ear system can be complex and difficult to understand. Your physician has likely referred you to The ReBalance and Dizziness Center to have some testing done. This testing is vital to rule in or out the inner ear system as a cause for your dizziness or imbalance symptoms. Do not fear, as testing for the inner ear system is non-invasive and should not cause discomfort. Brief and mild dizziness can be expected during some parts of the evaluation. Testing can last anywhere from 60-120 minutes. Testing involves simple tasks such as a hearing evaluation, visually tracking lights and measuring eye movements with infrared camera goggles during various sets of testing. Having this testing completed is very important, as many cases of dizziness and imbalance have been found to have dysfunction of the inner ear. We ask that you DO NOT take any medications prescribed to you for your dizziness as these medications can negatively impact the accuracy of your results.
If found to have an inner ear disorder it is likely that physical therapy will be needed. If therapy is needed it can be expected that your treatment will last 6 weeks. In some cases, treatment will need to be prolonged. The type of physical therapy will be different for every patient and will be dependent on what is found during the vestibular and inner ear testing. Our vestibular and balance specialists will help guide you throughout your time here to make sure that the treatment is as successful as possible.