Diagnosis & Treatment

what can I do?

Healthcare Provider Directory

The Healthcare Directory is a searchable database of vestibular healthcare professionals. You can search by provider or clinic name to learn more about a specific provider, or you can search by your location or find a vestibular specialist near you.

Healthcare Specialties

Some healthcare providers have specialized training, making them particularly well suited to diagnose and treat certain kinds of illnesses and disorders. Knowing what specialties exist and which to look for will help you narrow your search for a healthcare provider that is qualified to treat your specific condition.

Getting a Diagnosis

Trouble Getting a Diagnosis?

Many people with dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo have trouble obtaining a diagnosis. Many different types of disorders can cause dizziness. The signs of vestibular disorders are often hard to recognize. Patients have a difficult time describing their symptoms. Vestibular disorders may stem from the inner ear or the brain, and can therefore require multiple specialists to evaluate. Becoming educated about vestibular disorders can help you become a better advocate for your own healthcare.

Tests for diagnosing vestibular disorders

The inner ear's vestibular organs and the associated nerves and brain centers form a complex system that serve many functions and can be affected by a number of outside systems, such as vision and proprioception (i.e. your muscles and joints). A thorough evaluation of your vestibular function may involve:

  • Medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Tests of inner ear function
  • Hearing tests
  • Balance tests
  • Vision tests

What to Expect During an Audiological Visit

Many patients are anxious about their first audiologist appointment. You may already be feeling ill from your symptoms, and you might be fearful about participating in activities that worsen them. However, the anticipation of the appointment is often the worst part. It is helpful to understand what to expect from your first visit to an audiologist, and what the next steps may be.

For your Doctors Visit

Getting an accurate diagnosis is often dependent on being prepared for your doctor visit.  VeDA offers tools to help you gather the information your will need to make the most of your limited time with your doctor, including questions that will help you understand your condition and what you can do about it.

Patient Logs

Keeping track of your symptoms, activities, triggers, and medications can help you and your doctor identify the cause of your problem, which may lead to a diagnosis.

Treatments

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for vestibular dysfunction. Treatments vary depending on diagnosis, as well as individual factors. Treatments may be aimed at correcting the problem, minimizing symptoms, and/or promoting overall wellness. Some treatments include:

  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)
  • Medication
  • Surgery
  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Types of Vestibular Disorders

“Vestibular disorder” is an umbrella term used to encompass many different conditions that affect the inner ear and those parts of the central nervous system involved in maintaining balance. There are more than twenty-five known vestibular disorders. Each is unique, but many share common diagnostic traits, which can make it difficult for healthcare professionals to easily differentiate them.

The most commonly diagnosed vestibular disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, and secondary endolymphatic hydrops. Vestibular disorders also include superior semicircular canal dehiscence, acoustic neuroma, perilymph fistula, ototoxicity, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, migraine-associated vertigo, and Mal de Débarquement Syndrome. Other problems related to vestibular dysfunction include complications from aging, autoimmune disorders, and allergies.

Vision & Hearing

Our vision tells us where we are in space and plays an important role in helping us maintain our balance. When our eyes are not functioning correctly and/or are not working together, vestibular symptoms can arise.

Some vestibular disorders may result in hearing problems, such as hearing loss, tinnitus (the perception of a constant ringing or other sound) and hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound).

Managing vision and hearing problems appropriately is part of an effective vestibular treatment plan.

New Patient Toolkit

If you are just starting your vestibular journey, this toolkit will guide you step-by-step to diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Vestibular and COVID-19

Learn more about what information and resources are available about the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as treatment, vaccination, and the unique impacts of infection for patients with a vestibular disorder.

Want More Information, All In One Place?

VeDA's Article Collections are curated educational resources with everything you need, all in one place. Each collection is focused on one topic, with a range of articles to provide a complete set of relevant information.