- All major types of vestibular function diagnostics using modern high-tech equipment that has proven itself in international practice
- An integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment with the participation of a vestibulologist, neurologist, as well as a cardiologist, endocrinologist, and psychotherapist (if necessary)
- Conducting a bithermal bithemporal caloric test designed to detect vestibular asymmetry of central or peripheral origin using an air heater (without the use of water)
The otoneurologist-vestibulologist performs diagnostics and treatment of patients suffering from dizziness and balance disorders, as well as rehabilitation of patients with loss of vestibular function of various origins. The problems that cause dizziness may be related to disorders in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Traditionally, neurologists evaluate the central nervous system, while otorhinolaryngologists specialize in the peripheral one. Vestibulology is a unique field bordering on neurology and otorhinolaryngology, i.e. a vestibuologist is able to correctly assess the condition and function of the vestibular system from both sides and make an accurate diagnosis.
Most often, patients suffering from dizziness, balance disorders, and movement coordination consult a neurologist. At the same time, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, which is associated with osteochondrosis of the spine, or acute cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is often diagnosed as a preliminary diagnosis. However, more often the cause of dizziness is damage to the peripheral part of the vestibular analyzer, that is, diseases such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPH), Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, and others.
An otoneurologist-vestibulologist should be consulted if the following symptoms occur:
- attacks of dizziness (including on the background of hearing loss, headache);
- constant dizziness;
- instability and unsteadiness of gait;
- impaired coordination and balance;
motion sickness when traveling in transport.
To establish the diagnosis and choose the optimal method of treatment and rehabilitation, it is necessary to conduct a complete vestibulometric examination, including various tests using specialized high-tech equipment installed in the EMC Hearing and Balance Laboratory.
- Videonystagmography. The study is carried out with a mask that allows you to record any eye movements in the dark or when fixing your gaze.
- Rotational test. A sinusoidal or stepwise rotation of the patient on the chair is performed. Standardization of the speed, acceleration, and duration of rotation allows for highly accurate evaluation of rotational and post-rotational reactions.
- Aerial bithermal bitemporal caloric test. The gold standard for detecting vestibular asymmetry of central or peripheral origin. The heater allows you to create absolutely identical conditions (air flow velocity, air temperature) when conducting a sample from both sides, which is extremely important for the reliability of the result. The advantage of air calorization is that there is no water entering the external ear canal or clothing.
- Positional maneuvers used for the diagnosis and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. They are performed under the supervision of videonystagmoscopy, which increases the accuracy of diagnosis and evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy.
- Stabilometry. The study on the stabilometric platform makes it possible to evaluate the balance function and rehabilitate patients with impaired function according to the principle of biofeedback.
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