Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balance Solutions?

Balance Solutions is a diagnostic center designed for evaluating and treating patients suffering from dizziness, vertigo and/or imbalance.

Why does central Minnesota need a comprehensive balance (vestibular) center?

The human system for balance is complex and requires that a person’s vision, hearing/inner ear and sensory systems to work together. In the past, our healthcare system was only able to explore one of these systems at a time resulting in limited care for these patients. Utilizing advanced technology, specially trained audiologists and vestibular physical therapists, Balance Solutions integrates and evaluates all three systems. This gives patients a more specific diagnosis and allows for development and implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan.

How does Balance Solutions differ from other places providing similar services?

Balance Solutions is a multidisciplinary center that includes Ear, Nose, & Throat physicians, audiologists, and physical therapists with extensive training in balance and dizziness (vestibular) problems. This team works closely with other physicians in Central Minnesota to allow patients to receive diagnostic testing and treatment within the same facility. Balance Solutions is unique as its diagnostic testing includes accessing the three primary components of balance: inner ear, vision and somatosensory systems.

What diagnostic and therapeutic tests are available at Balance Solutions?

The testing needed to definitively diagnose balance issues is available to patients at Balance Solutions. To determine what is causing the dizziness and to help determine the most effective way to help patients function in their daily lives, the patient may undergo any of a variety of tests such as:

• Electronystagmography/Videonystagmography (ENG/VNG)
• Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)
• Vestibular Performance Evaluation
• Audiological test battery
• Rotary Chair test
• Electrocochleography (EcoG)
  
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

What do these specialized tests mean to the patient?

With the test results, we can differentiate between sensory system dysfunction (inner ear & eyes) and motor system dysfunction (feet, ankles, joints) to determine which, if not both, are contributing to the balance difficulties. This information is gathered and used to develop and individualize a vestibular therapy plan. Through vestibular rehabilitation a patient can improve functionality and reduce the risk of falling.