Approximately 11.3 million people visit physician's offices in the U.S. with complaints of dizziness. There are many conditions that may produce symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, or disequilibrium. The Hearing and balance Center is operated in association with Gulfcoast Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates. Our otolaryngologist, Dr. Jose A. Berrios, and our clinical and rehabilitative audiologist have special training and expertise in the assessment and treatment of patients with balance disorders. We will work closely with the referring physician to determine the cause of the disorder and develop an effective treatment program. Following a comprehensive medical, diagnostic, and functional balance assessment, an individual program is prescribed.

A comprehensive balance assessment includes and audiological evaluation, sensory organization testing and tympanometry including reflex decay testing. Electronystagmography (ENG) is also performed. This test battery helps distinguish between a peripheral vestibular disorder and one located within the central nervous system. The results of the ENG are also useful in determining vestibular rehabilitation candidacy. Vestibular rehabilitation has emerged over the past several years as a successful alternative treatment for patients with imbalance or chronic non-resolved motion intolerance problems.

The three main categories of vestibular rehabilitation therapy are described below:

• Home Based Therapy - Individuals are given self directed exercises based on their test results and their symptoms. Patients are encouraged to follow their exercise program 2-3 times a day for 20-30 min. Typically, most patients achieve a reduction in their symptoms within a two to four week period.

• Vestibular Rehabilitation/Balance Retraining - This program is designed for patients who require supervision during their exercises. Fall prevention, movement coordination and improved participation in everyday activities are all highly emphasized. The patient typically participates in one or two 60 minutes sessions per week. The average number of sessions is eight to twelve.

• Semont Liberatory Maneuver - This approach is specifically used when the results from the ENG (Dix-Hallpike Maneuver) are positive for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Treatment includes one or two 20 minute visits.

Individual who have a history of dizziness that is provoked by changes in body position, have difficulty waling, or experience a general feeling of disequilibrium may be a candidate for a vestibular rehabilitation program.