If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or ongoing balance problems, the Balance Center at WMCHealth is here to help. Our team of vestibular audiologists and physical therapists provides comprehensive diagnostic testing and targeted therapies for both sudden and long-term balance disorders.
Using advanced diagnostic tools and our team’s deep expertise, we focus on helping you regain stability and confidence. Our goal is to help you move more safely and comfortably in your daily life.
When Is the Balance Center Needed?
Your sense of balance depends on how your inner ear, eyes, muscles, joints, and brain work together. When one part of this complex system isn’t working properly, you may experience symptoms that significantly affect your daily life.
At the WMCHealth Balance Center, we offer a full evaluation to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms. Based on your results, you may benefit from vestibular (balance) therapy, medications or, in rare cases, surgery.
Symptoms of a Balance Issue
- A floating or rocking feeling
- Lightheadedness or faintness
- Frequent falls or fear of falling
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Blurry vision or trouble focusing
- A spinning or moving sensation (vertigo)
Services Offered by the Balance Center
Balance testing at WMCHealth is safe, painless, and non-invasive. These tests help us understand how your balance system is working and where the main issues lie. We then use our insights to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Computerized Dynamic Virtual Posturography
This test measures how well you keep your balance while standing on a moving platform and wearing virtual reality goggles. As the platform and visual surroundings shift, we see how your body adjusts to stay steady.
Rotational Vestibular Testing (RVT)
While you sit in a slowly rotating chair in the dark, you’ll wear goggles that track your eye movements as your head turns side to side. This test helps us see how your inner ear and brain work together to maintain balance.
Videonystagmography (VNG)
During this test, you’ll follow moving lights while wearing goggles that record your eye movements. Then, gentle warm and cool air will be introduced into your ears. This shows how your inner ear and brain respond to motion.
Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (cVEMP)
This test helps detect problems such as certain nerve or inner ear disorders. You’ll wear earphones and small sensors on your neck while listening to clicking sounds and turning your head.
Vestibular and Balance Therapy
Our certified vestibular physical therapists create personalized therapy plans to reduce dizziness, improve stability, and lower your risk of falls. First, you’ll have an evaluation to review your eye movement, balance, walking ability, strength, and other factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Then, therapy to improve these functions may include exercises focused on improving coordination between your eyes and head.
Telehealth Balance Therapy
If you qualify, you can take part in vestibular therapy from home through secure telehealth visits. Your therapist will guide you through exercises, monitor your progress, and make adjustments in real time to help you improve safely.
Why Choose WMCHealth for Balance Care?
At the WMCHealth Balance Center, you’ll find advanced testing, expert providers, and coordinated care designed around you.
- Comprehensive expertise: Audiologists, neurotologists, and physical therapists work together to identify and treat the full range of balance disorders.
- Advanced diagnostics: We use the latest tools and evidence-based methods to uncover the cause of your symptoms.
- Personalized attention: Your care team takes time to explain each test and therapy, so you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
- Convenient, world-class care: You receive the same level of specialized care found at major academic centers, right here in your community.