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Is It Vertigo?
People may experience vertigo symptoms differently and often deal with a combination of sensations at once.
Dizzy Disorders
The sensation of dizziness or being off balance is a common reason that many seek medical attention. If your dizzy disorder is related to the vestibular (inner ear) system, our team of audiology experts are here to help.
The vestibular system is comprised of five balance organs housed within the inner ear that help the body maintain balance and spatial orientation. Any disruption to this system can create false signals to the brain, leading to dizziness.
Why choose Henry Ford Audiology for dizzy disorders?
Expert team
Henry Ford’s Doctors of Audiology treat all forms of hearing loss and dizzy disorders. Because of their close collaboration with our Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists, they are uniquely equipped to rule out any medical issues related to your condition before recommending treatment.
Personalized treatment plans
If your vestibular testing comes back abnormal, there are several treatment options available, including:
- Education and support
- Surgical interventions
- Vestibular therapy, involving special exercises to improve balance
Coordinated care
In order to provide a comprehensive treatment plan, Henry Ford offers an expert team of audiologists, otolaryngologists, neurologists, and physical therapists. Together, they will work with you to manage your balance disorder and help you manage your dizziness.
Convenient locations
We offer many convenient locations, making it easy to find a Henry Ford audiologist near you.
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How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Vestibular Function Testing?
If you answer yes to the question below, you may be a candidate for Vestibular Function Testing
- Do you ever feel like you or the room is spinning?
If you feel you are in need of or may benefit from an assessment of your dizziness, it is important that you discuss this with your physician (or primary care physician) and have them refer you to our clinic. A physician's referral is necessary to be seen for Vestibular Function Testing with Henry Ford Health.
A vestibular function test helps to check how well the inner ear balance system works.[No text in field]
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Where Is the Vestibular Function Test Performed?
Henry Ford Hospital Detroit
- Clinic is located on K-8.
- (313) 916-3272
Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
- Go to the Cardiology department in the East Wing. Check in with the Cardiology desk.
- Do not go to the Audiology department.
- (248) 661-6472
If you are unable to keep your appointment or have any questions, please notify us as soon as possible.
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What Can I Expect During My Vestibular Function Test?
If you have been referred to the Henry Ford Division of Audiology by your audiologist, primary care physician or ear, nose and throat physician for a hearing test or vestibular test, you probably have questions about what to expect.
A Henry Ford Audiologist will evaluate your inner ear balance system. The evaluation assesses your inner ear and brain to determine what may or may not be causing your dizziness or balance problem. A complete Vestibular Function Test takes approximately two hours. It consists of the Videonystagmography (VNG), Rotational Chair examination, and possible other tests depending on test results and your symptoms.
The VNG involves the patient lying on a table and following targets with their eyes, then having warm and cool air into the ears for a brief period of time (approximately 1 minute), while the Rotary Chair rotates back and forth.
The Henry Ford Division of Audiology utilizes the most advanced technology and equipment to administer your hearing test or vestibular test to ensure the most accurate diagnosis. This information will be used by your audiologist or referring physician to develop a treatment plan that will result in the best possible outcome.
Your vestibular test will be completed by a licensed audiologist.
- The test takes up to 2 hours to complete.
- The vestibular function test is made up of several different tests that will help figure out what is causing your dizziness or imbalance symptoms
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How Do I Prepare for My Vestibular Function Test?
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. The following guidelines are recommended to prepare for this evaluation:
- Bring your walking aid (cane, walker) if you use one.
- Medications—Tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines or any medications for dizziness must be STOPPED for 48 hours prior to your evaluation appointment. Please consult with your physician before discontinuing any medications.
- If you are diabetic, epileptic, have heart problems or high blood pressure, please CONTINUE your medications.
- Do NOT eat four hours prior to the examination if you are prone to motion sickness
- Do NOT drink any alcoholic beverages 48 hours prior to your evaluation appointment
- Do not wear any makeup around the eyes
- Do NOT eat or drink anything containing caffeine the day of the test. This includes chocolate, coffee, tea and soda.