Dizziness and Balance Clinic

One of the most common symptoms reported to physicians is dizziness, which can sometimes be related to the inner ear or nervous system. The Dizziness and Balance Clinic at UMMC provides a full range of diagnostic and evaluation services for patients with complaints of dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or difficulties maintaining an upright posture.

Our clinic is led by audiologists specially trained in balance issues, and our physicians work closely with patients' primary care providers by sharing test results and consulting on treatment plans. Most clinic patients are adults, but school-aged pediatric patients may be accepted. A physician referral is required.

Contact the Dizziness and Balance Clinic

The Dizziness and Balance Clinic at UMMC sees patients by referral. 

• For referrals or more information, call (601) 815-6064.

Location

We provide diagnostic testing on the fourth floor of University Physicians Lakeland Medical.

Diagnostic testing services

Tests are administered and interpreted by a licensed doctor of audiology. Dizziness testing usually takes one and a half to two hours to complete. During an appointment, several different tests will be performed. They are painless and involve no needles. Slight dizziness may occur but will only last several minutes.

• BPPV testing (Dix-Hallpike test) – Looks for a specific type of inner ear problem called benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV), the most common disorder of the vestibular system.
  • The primary symptom of BPPV is vertigo, a sense of motion or spinning, produced by looking up or rolling over and getting out of bed.
  • This vestibular disorder can be easily diagnosed and, in most cases, successfully treated.
• Computerized dynamic posturography – Indicates which part of the balance system the patient relies on the most for feedback (inner ear, visual, or muscle).
• Concussion testing
• Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials test (VEMP) – Recording electrodes are placed on the neck and forehead to measure muscle contractions in reaction to sound and to provide information about a specific portion of the inner ear controls system.
  • UMMC currently provides the only FDA approved testing system in the state.
• Video head impulse testing (VHIT) – Uses video to measure eye reactions to abrupt movement.
  • While wearing goggles, the patient focuses on a point. The head is then turned quickly and unpredictably. If the patient's eyes move off the target when the head is turned, that indicates an abnormal reflex.
  • UMMC is one of only two facilities in the state to offer this test.
• Videonystagmography (VNG) – Examines eye movements which correlate with the inner ear balance function.