More Information
URMC/Strong Health News
Clinical Trials

 

Balance Disorders and Dizziness Clinic


Information for Referring Physicians

Painting of inner ear
Painting of the inner ear, inspired by Professor David Moore's research at the MRC Institute of
Hearing Research, Nottingham, England.
Artist: Dr. Lizzie Burns © Medical Research
Council, UK. Used with permission.
phone number

Contact Us

For appointments, please call 585-275-6395.
phone number

New and ongoing services are available at the University of Rochester for the care and evaluation of patients with dizziness and balance disorders. The control of equilibrium is a crucial component of daily life. Proper function is essential for even routine daily tasks such as reaching for objects, standing, and walking. Our laboratory offers state-of-the-art testing services that employ the latest technologies combined with expert interpretation that are unparalleled in the region. In addition, and in concert with the role of an academic medical center, research labs are used in special cases where novel approaches are required.

Evaluation of the Dizzy Patient

Patients suffering from dizziness may receive diagnostic testing to quantify and localize balance and orientation pathologies through the specialized services of the Balance and Eye Movement Laboratory at the University of Rochester. Clinical evaluation is also available through the Balance Disorders and Dizziness Clinic. Both services are directed by Gary D. Paige, M.D., Ph.D.

For appointments and further information, please call 585-275-6395.

Laboratory Services

Diagnostic laboratory services are available separately or may be included as part of a comprehensive clinical and laboratory evaluation. Physiologic tests include three types:

  • Video- or Electro-Nystagmography (VNG/ENG) assesses visual and vestibular control of eye movements. Our VNG/ENG is an improved and state-of-the-art version of traditional physiologic testing of these systems, and includes a rotatory (headshake) screen.

  • Rotatory tests quantify the performance of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) during angular motion of the head, and therefore test semicircular canal function. These tests are particularly useful in determining whether a vestibular disorder is acute or chronic, and for following the time course of disease or therapy. Our VNG/ENG includes a simplified component of the rotatory test to serve as a screen. Full rotatory testing is reserved for complicated patients with equivocal results on other tests. More specialized tests, such as otolith testing (the linear VOR), are available through consultation with the Lab Director.

  • Dynamic Posturography directly measures the patient’s ability to maintain stable balance under different challenges to stability. Tests of postural control quantify the physiological level of imbalance, dissect potential sources for imbalance and allow us to follow progress and recovery.

The standard test battery includes VNG/ENG, rotatory screening, and posturography. These tests will be performed automatically on all patients referred for balance testing unless special requests are made or insurance considerations apply.

Tests will be interpreted by our Lab Director, Gary D. Paige, M.D., Ph.D., and a written report will be returned to you within several days.

Specialty Clinical Services

The Balance Disorders and Dizziness Clinic provides clinical consultation or care by Dr. Paige if further evaluation and diagnosis are needed. We will coordinate the visit with appropriate tests of balance and hearing, and as part of the clinical evaluation and potential therapy. Additional referrals and/or testing (e.g., specialized imaging studies) will be suggested as dictated by clinical imperative. Close cooperation with specialists in Otolaryngology, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Neurology, and other divisions within our academic community ensures comprehensive and effective outcomes for your patients at whatever level of care is desired and required.

Related Links