Advanced Vestibular Testing and Rehabilitation at Burjeel Medical City
Understanding Balance Disorders
Balance disorders affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life. These conditions result from problems within the vestibular system—the complex network in your inner ear and brain that controls balance and spatial orientation. At Burjeel Medical City’s state-of-the-art Balance Lab, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and related conditions.
Common Balance Disorders We Treat
Our specialized team diagnoses and treats numerous conditions, including:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause of vertigo, characterized by brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness triggered by specific head movements.
- Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis: Inflammatory disorders affecting the inner ear nerves, often following viral infections.
- Ménière’s Disease: A chronic condition causing episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness.
- Vestibular Migraine: Migraine episodes associated with significant vestibular symptoms such as dizziness and spatial disorientation.
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD): A chronic functional disorder of the vestibular system characterized by non-spinning dizziness and unsteadiness.
- Post-Concussion Dizziness: Balance issues following head injuries or concussions.
- Bilateral Vestibulopathy: Reduced function of both vestibular nerves or inner ears, causing imbalance and visual problems during head movements.
- Central Vestibular Disorders: Balance problems stemming from conditions affecting the brain, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or tumors.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our Balance Lab utilizes cutting-edge technology to precisely evaluate vestibular function and identify the root cause of balance disorders:
Comprehensive Assessment Tools:
- Videonystagmography (VNG): Records eye movements during various positioning tests to evaluate vestibular function and identify specific disorders.
- Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP): Measures balance control and sensory organization under varying environmental conditions.
- Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP): Assesses otolith function in the inner ear, which is crucial for detecting linear acceleration and gravity.
- Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT): Evaluates the function of individual semicircular canals by measuring eye movements during rapid head turns.
- Rotary Chair Testing: Analyzes vestibular function by measuring eye movements while the patient is rotated in a specialized chair.
- Advanced Audiometric Testing: Comprehensive hearing assessment including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry to evaluate potential hearing-related components of balance disorders.
- Subjective Visual Vertical/Horizontal Testing: Measures perception of verticality and horizontality, which can be affected in certain vestibular disorders.
Our Multidisciplinary Approach
Balance disorders often require expertise from multiple specialties. Our team includes:
- Neuro-otologists: Specialists in neurological conditions affecting the ear
- Audiologists: Experts in hearing and balance assessment
- Vestibular Physiotherapists: Specialized in rehabilitation techniques for balance disorders
- Neurologists: For cases involving central nervous system disorders
- ENT Specialists: For comprehensive ear, nose, and throat assessment
Personalized Treatment Programs
Based on diagnostic findings, our specialists develop individualized treatment plans that may include:
1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
- Customized exercise programs to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and enhance gaze stability
- Habituation exercises to decrease sensitivity to specific movements
- Balance retraining to improve stability and prevent falls
2. Canalith Repositioning Procedures
- Specialized maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver) to treat BPPV by relocating displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear
3. Medication Management
- Targeted pharmacological approaches for specific vestibular conditions
- Management of associated symptoms like nausea or anxiety
4. Lifestyle Modifications
- Dietary recommendations for conditions like Ménière’s disease
- Strategies to identify and avoid individual triggers
5. Advanced Interventions
- Referrals for surgical options when appropriate
- Collaboration with other specialists for comprehensive care
Patient Experience at Our Balance Lab
Patients at Burjeel Medical City’s Balance Lab benefit from:
- Comprehensive Initial Assessment: Thorough evaluation of medical history, symptoms, and preliminary testing
- Same-Day Testing: Whenever possible, multiple tests are conducted in a single visit for patient convenience
- Immediate Intervention: For conditions like BPPV, treatment can often begin on the first visit
- Continuous Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments to track progress and adjust treatment plans
- Patient Education: Detailed explanations of conditions and treatment options, with resources to support home care
Why Choose Burjeel Medical City’s Balance Lab
- Cutting-Edge Technology: The most advanced diagnostic equipment available
- Experienced Specialists: Our team has extensive training in vestibular disorders
- Comprehensive Care: All testing and treatment available in one location
- Evidence-Based Approach: Treatment protocols based on the latest research
- Patient-Centered Care: Individualized treatment plans focused on improving quality of life
Success Indicators
Our Balance Lab has helped patients with various vestibular conditions achieve:
- Significant reduction or elimination of dizziness symptoms
- Improved balance and reduced fall risk
- Enhanced ability to perform daily activities
- Better management of chronic vestibular conditions
- Reduced anxiety related to balance disorders
