What is Involved in a Vertigo Assessment?

Vertigo is a distinct sensation of spinning or imbalance, often linked to inner ear or neurological disorders. Because its causes can be subtle and varied, a structured assessment is essential to identify whether the problem is peripheral (ear-related) or central (brain-related).

1. Comprehensive Case History

• Onset, duration, and frequency of vertigo episodes

• Associated symptoms: nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, hearing loss, imbalance

• Triggers: head movements, changes in position, stress, or infections

• Past medical history: migraines, cardiovascular issues, ear infections

2. Physical Examination

• Observation of gait and balance

• Neurological screening: cranial nerve function, coordination, reflexes

• Ear examination: otoscopy to rule out infections or wax impaction

3. Specialized Bedside Tests

• Dix-Hallpike maneuver: identifies benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

• Head Impulse Test: detects peripheral vestibular weakness

• Nystagmus assessment: checks for involuntary eye movements

• Test of Skew: evaluates vertical eye misalignment

Together, these form the HINTS exam (Head Impulse, Nystagmus, Test of Skew), which helps differentiate peripheral from central causes.

4. Audiological Evaluation

• Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA): measures hearing thresholds

• Speech Audiometry: evaluates clarity of speech perception

• Tympanometry: checks middle ear function

• OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) and BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry): assess cochlear and neural pathways

5. Detailed Vestibular Testing

• Videonystagmography (VNG): records eye movements to detect even minute nystagmus (tiny involuntary eye jerks) that may not be visible clinically

• Cranio-Oculography (COG tests): evaluates eye movement patterns and balance control, helping to rule out subtle vestibular dysfunctions

These advanced tests provide precise diagnostic information and help uncover issues that standard bedside exams may miss.

6. Advanced Imaging & Lab Work (if needed)

• MRI/CT scans: rule out central causes like stroke or tumors

• Blood tests: check for metabolic or vascular contributors

7. Functional Balance Testing

• Romberg’s test: standing with eyes closed to assess stability

• Gait analysis: observing walking patterns

• Computerized posturography: advanced balance assessment

Why This Matters

A vertigo assessment is not just about confirming dizziness—it’s about identifying the root cause. Differentiating between peripheral (inner ear) and central (neurological) origins ensures patients receive the right treatment, whether that’s repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, medication for vestibular neuritis, or urgent referral for stroke management.

Unicare Speech and Hearing Clinic: Specialized Vertigo Care

Unicare Speech and Hearing Clinic in Delhi is a specialized center dedicated to vertigo assessment and rehabilitation. With expert audiologists and a multidisciplinary team, the clinic offers:

• Evidence-based diagnostic protocols

• Advanced audiological and vestibular testing, including VNG and COG tests to detect minute nystagmus and subtle balance issues

• Personalized rehabilitation programs for balance and dizziness

• Patient-friendly counseling and education

This makes Unicare a trusted destination for individuals seeking clarity, care, and recovery from vertigo.

Would you like me to now reframe this into a patient-friendly blog draft in Hindi, so it can directly serve your clinic’s outreach campaigns?