Balance Laboratory

The tests conducted in the Balance Laboratory are crucial for the diagnosis and resolution of balance problems.

At Anadolu Health Center, the following tests are applied in the Balance Laboratory for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

ENG Recording

Problems caused by changing head movements can be identified through ENG recording. One of the most essential tests for this purpose is electronystagmography (ENG), which is supported by video recording and where the results are analyzed in a computer environment. This test provides valuable information about the vestibular system's function through the comparative analysis of eye movements in response to a stimulus. While the involuntary movements of the eyeballs are recorded, a video of the eye movements is also simultaneously captured.

VEMP

This test simplifies the diagnosis of balance problems, which are highly complex. Through vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), it allows for the separate assessment of the vestibular systems on the right and left sides. The vestibular system refers to the balance organ in the ear. This test can reveal whether the vestibular system is functioning normally or if it is impaired. If the system is working normally, it can be determined whether the balance problems are vestibular in origin, as balance issues stemming from the vestibular system make up a significant portion of general balance problems. This test can be applied to anyone with balance issues. The VEMP test is considered a complement to the ENG recording, which investigates vestibular system function.

Vorteq and DVA

Another strong vestibular system stimulus is movement. A test used for this purpose is the Vorteq (Dynamic Visual Acuity) test. By examining visual acuity during changing head movements, it provides information about how much a patient who is experiencing an acute balance issue has improved after treatment. This test is also used to assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatment. The visual acuity is examined during head movements up and down, and left to right. This test not only provides a comparative analysis of the vestibular system but also reveals the level of vestibular compensation achieved in a vestibular rehabilitation program after a vestibular issue. After an acute vestibular issue, the extent to which balance has returned to normal can be determined by the visual response to movement. Meniere's disease is one of the major issues related to the membranous labyrinth. Among vestibular analysis tests, few can provide detailed information about this specific condition. The electrocochleography test, used for this purpose, contributes to the diagnosis of the disease.

Conclusion
As a result, today, with the diversification of vestibular testing methods, the correct analysis of balance problems with complex effects can be made, and a differential diagnosis can be achieved for diseases that present similar findings.

Last Updated Date: 21 September 2023

Publication Date: 21 September 2023