Our ears house so many important structures in a tiny space! Most people know about the hearing aspect, but the peripheral balance system is also found inside of our ears. According to the CDC, millions of older individuals fall in the United States. Dizziness and falls can be profound and concerning events. Here at ESHC, our patient\u2019s safety and well-being are of our utmost priority. That is why we are adding a new element to our balance diagnostic protocol available at only a select number of clinics across the world \u2013 Rotary Chair Testing. With the addition of the rotary chair, our clinic will be able to further test the balance system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rotary chair testing uses information gained from the eye muscles, otherwise known as the vestibular ocular reflex (VOR), while simulating head movement. The rotary chair can turn in a circular motion to achieve that head movement simulation. The speed at which the chair spins can vary, giving us further information to determine whether the cause of the dizziness is linked to the inner-ear balance system or the central balance system in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because rotary chair testing is much more tolerable than other forms of vestibular testing, we can test more individuals than ever. Because there is no neck movement involved with rotary chairs, those with neck trauma will be able to be tested. The pediatric population will also be able to be tested using this system. Other inner-ear tests like bithermal caloric testing can sometimes be difficult for some patients, particularly with children. Rotary chair testing has been found to be much more tolerable, leading to much more compliance among the pediatric population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n