New assessment facility for dizziness and imbalance

Balance assessment

Dizziness is the 3^rd most common complaint among patients seen among health care professionals, and is even more common among older adults. There are many possible causes that may result in perceptions such as dizziness, vertigo or imbalance.

Electronystagmography or Videonystagmography helps to determine the cause of the dizziness or balance problem. During this procedure eye movements are recorded and analyzed to draw conclusions about the functioning of the vestibular organ and neural pathways from the ear to the eye muscles.

The vestibular assessments are conducted by students under supervision of an audiologist and lecturer in the Department. A multidisciplinary team approach is followed when assessing the vestibular functioning of patients with dizziness and imbalance. One such team member is the Ear-Nose-Throat specialist who makes the final diagnosis and prescribes medication or specified further testing as indicated.

Should you wish to make an appointment for a vestibular assessment contact:

Mrs. Ansie van Niekerk: 012 4202816 or ansie.vanniekerk@up.ac.za.

If you have any questions about the test procedures, please contact barbara.heinze@up.ac.za