Balance testing: does it make a difference?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology
• Vestibular Science

Background:

• Dizziness and imbalance are common, often requiring specialist evaluation.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of vestibular disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if referral for specialist balance testing influences the diagnosis and management of patients experiencing dizziness.
• To assess the diagnostic yield of vestibular function testing.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 101 patients referred for vestibular function testing between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2018.
• Comparison of preliminary diagnoses with post-testing diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Preliminary diagnoses were made for 68.3% of patients, with common conditions including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Ménière's disease, and migraine.
• Vestibular function testing led to revised diagnoses in 53.5% of patients, confirming initial suspicions in 32.4%.
• Testing was more likely to be inconclusive when no preliminary diagnosis was provided; 38.6% were discharged, 21.7% referred elsewhere, and 17.8% commenced treatment.

Conclusions:

• Referral for vestibular function testing is valuable for addressing specific clinical questions regarding dizziness.
• Specialist testing aids in diagnosing the complex aetiologies of imbalance.
• Judicious use of vestibular function testing can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide patient management.