Center for Balance Disorders
The Center for Balance Disorders at Baylor College of Medicine, provides in-depth services for the diagnosis and management of patients with vestibular disorders. Vestibular disorders are disorders of the inner ear as they relate to balance and equilibrium. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, dizziness, imbalance, disorientation, nausea, blurred vision, and hearing loss. As part of Baylor College of Medicine, we have access to cutting-edge technology and superior physicians.
Testing
All tests are administered by experienced technicians under the supervision of Robert Williamson, M.D., a board-certified neurotologist and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine.
We offer the following tests:
- ENG Testing and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials - ENG and VEMP testing provide a thorough diagnostic battery of the vestibular system.
- Posturography Testing - Balance Platform
- Pressure Sensitivity Testing or Perilymph Fistula Testing
- Facial Nerve Testing - Electroneuronography
Forms & Pretest instructions for our patients are available in English and Spanish.
Therapy
Vestibular Rehabilitation - Therapy at the CfBD is provided by Helen Cohen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA, an internationally recognized occupational therapist-vestibular physiologist and expert in vestibular and balance rehabilitation.
Research
The CFBD conducts clinical research in order to study and evaluate the function of the vestibular system.
Nothing on this WWW site should be considered "medical advice." Such advice can only be given by a physician who is experienced with health problems, specifically vestibular dysfunction. We cannot provide individual medical advice or counseling without the referral of a physician. If you feel you need specific medical advice or counseling, you should contact a licensed health care practitioner or a health-related organization in your local community. Baylor specialists can be found through the Otolaryngology Department web page.
Electronystagmography Testing
ENG is an examination of eye movements called nystagmus which are provoked by stimulation of the inner ear. The exam is made up of several tests that assess the relationship between certain eye movements and the inner ear. These tests include watching a display of lights, sitting in a chair that gently turns from side to side, lying down in various positions, or having warm and cool water or air put into the ear canal to stimulate the inner ear.
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
The Center now offers VEMP testing. This is a relatively new test which can help to identify the specific site of injury to the inner ear or balance nerve. During the examination, small recording electrodes are taped to the neck and shoulders. Sounds are presented to one ear while the patient's head is held in a certain orientation.
Posturography Testing (Balance Platform)
The posturography examination requires patients to stand upright on a balance platform. The platform and/or surrounding screen may move. The amount of body sway needed to maintain balance during movements is measured in order to evaluate the sensory and motor components of balance function.
Pressure Sensitivity Testing or Fistula Test
During pressure sensitivity testing, the patient stands safely on a moving platform and wears an ear plug that varies the pressure in the outer ear canal. Body sway is measured as the pressure is changed. This test is sometimes used to evaluate the possibility of a perilymph fistula (an abnormal opening in the inner ear leading to leakage of fluid).
Electroneurography or Facial Nerve Testing
Electroneurography evaluates acute facial nerve weakness due to Bell's palsy, traumatic injury, or disease. The test determines the percentage of degenerated nerve fibers associated with facial weakness.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation will vary from patient to patient. A specially trained therapist will thoroughly evaluate the patient and tailor exercises and/or therapy maneuvers for a specific inner ear disorder. Rehabilitation may require one or more visits from the patient.