Balance Clinic

We have a multidisciplinary team of professionals with extensive specialised experience in Dizziness, Vertigo and Balance disorders. As a team we work towards diagnosing and treating patients with a variety of dizzy and balance problems. We work closely with the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) consultants and have links with Neurology, Cardiology, Elderly Medicine and Physiotherapy.

Patients can be seen in the Balance Clinic with a referral from their GP or with a referral from an ENT consultant or other hospital specialist.

Dizziness

Dizziness and balance problems can have many different causes, some conditions may be inner ear or vestibular system (balance system) related. For example; Labyrinthitis, Vestibular Neuronitis, Meniere's disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

However there are many conditions that are not ear related at all. For example; migraine, cardiac problems, side effects of medication and head injuries.

Balance Assessment

An initial assessment is carried out where a detailed history is taken from the patient. Questions will be asked about the dizzy problems, hearing, general health, lifestyle and medication currently taken.

An ear examination will be performed, a hearing test may be performed and some basic balance function tests will be carried out.

Based on all this information the team will decide the appropriate treatment for the patient. This may involve the patient having further balance tests performed on a separate appointment, a referral for balance rehabilitation, medication prescribed, further tests such as scans or blood tests or referrals to other specialities.

All test results will be reviewed and the patient will be seen again in a review appointment to assess progress. All tests performed will be fully explained to the patient and information leaflets given out for preparation for testing, further reading and aftercare advice.

Download the Balance Information leaflet