DIAGNOSTIC FACILITIES
Audiological and Vestibular Function Testing
The Balance Centre unit offers a full range of diagnostic vestibular test procedures with easy-to-understand patient information provided prior to the appointment.
Some of the tests provided are:
Audiometry
We provide a full range of audiological test procedures, such as pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes and tinnitus measurements. This is done in a soundproof environment, either on-demand or by appointment.
Oculomotor Testing using Video-Nystagmography (VNG):
This includes gaze testing, smooth pursuit tracking and optokinetic testing. The VNG is a visual measurement of the movement of the eyes. This involves a light moving across a display screen in a darkened room and the patient will be required to follow the light with their eyes.
Water Caloric Testing:
During this test a small probe is placed at the entrance of the ear. Through this probe, warm and cool air is introduced into the ear canal which stimulates a response from the balance system. Eye movements are then monitored to test this response and provide valuable diagnostic information.
Computerised Dynamic Posturography:
Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) is an assessment tool used by the physiotherapist to objectively quantify balance control. A force plate is used to analyze movement patterns. A safety support vest is worn during testing. This specialized computer analysis is able to differentiate among the wide variety of possible sensory, motor, and central adaptive impairments to balance control. It is designed to compliment clinical testing and categorize pathological mechanisms of balance disorders. CDP can identify and differentiate the functional impairments associated with the pathological processes. CDP alone cannot diagnose specific pathology or site-of-lesion.
(ref. Neurocom Intl Inc http://www.onbalance.com)
During CDP assessment the patient is presented with a variety of conditions specifically ordered to examine adaptive mechanisms and selection processing of sensory information and movement response patterns.
Because of the complex interactions among sensory, motor, and central adapting processes, CDP requires separate protocols to adequately differentiate among impairments. To quantify the failure of adaptive mechanisms to select appropriate sensory inputs and movement response patterns, CDP exposes the patient to a variety of controlled visual and support surface conditions.
The SMART EquiTest posturography system used at The Wellington Balance Centre, allows targeted rehabilitation to a high level with focus specifically on the use of visual, vestibular and somatosensory cues for balance. Its treatment capabilities allow a graded programme and degree of difficulty, using visual feedback coupled with sensitive monitoring of patient movement on a force platform.