Balance Clinic

The London Independent Hospital provides Balance Clinic in London and in the wider area.

Balance problems and dizziness are more common than you might think. In the UK alone, thousands of people struggle with these issues daily, impacting their quality of life and limiting their ability to engage in activities they enjoy. Recent statistics reveal that a significant portion of the population - 30% of people under the age of 65 years - experiences balance-related challenges, which can stem from various underlying causes.

Dizziness and vertigo are both symptoms related to a person's perception of balance and spatial orientation, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart:

Dizziness is a broad term used to describe a range of sensations related to unsteadiness, disorientation, and a feeling of altered spatial awareness. People who experience dizziness might describe it as feeling lightheaded, woozy, or off-balance. Dizziness can be caused by various factors, including inner ear problems, dehydration, low blood pressure, medication side effects, anxiety, and more. It's a subjective sensation and can manifest differently from person to person.

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterised by a false sense of rotational movement, either of the person or their surroundings. It often feels like the world is spinning or moving, even when the person is stationary. Vertigo is most commonly associated with issues in the inner ear, particularly the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, and vestibular migraines can cause vertigo.

In summary, while both dizziness and vertigo involve feelings of imbalance and altered spatial perception, vertigo specifically entails a spinning or rotational sensation. Dizziness, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing various sensations of unsteadiness or disorientation. If you're experiencing persistent dizziness or vertigo, it's essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Balance issues can be elusive and complex, often presenting symptoms that overlap with other conditions. This complexity makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause during a standard GP visit. As a result, many individuals find themselves facing prolonged uncertainty and frustration as they search for answers.

Balance disorders can originate from various sources, including:

Inner Ear Issues: Problems with the inner ear, such as Meniere's disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), can lead to vertigo and dizziness.
Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological disorders like vestibular migraines or multiple sclerosis can affect your body's sense of balance.
Medications: Some medications have the potential to disrupt your balance system, leading to dizziness and unsteadiness.
Age-related Changes: As we age, our balance systems can naturally decline, making us more susceptible to balance issues.
Injury or Trauma: Head injuries or trauma can damage the inner ear or affect the brain's processing of balance signals.

At the Balance Clinic, we understand the unique nature of balance problems and their impact on your life. Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a compassionate team of specialists who are dedicated to unravelling the mysteries behind your symptoms. We take a comprehensive approach, considering both physical and underlying medical factors that may contribute to your balance issues.

What Sets Us Apart:

Our Balance Clinic team

Our team comprises experienced specialists who have a deep understanding of balance-related disorders, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

Professor Rahul Kanegaonkar
Consultant Earl Nose, and Throat Surgeon, Specialist Interest in Balance Disorders.

Dr Mohammed Salam
Consultant Audiologist, Specialist Interest in Balance Assessment & Management, Founder & Director of internationally renowned Ear Care Academy.

Cutting-edge Technology: We leverage advanced diagnostic tools that enable us to uncover the root causes of your balance problems, providing targeted solutions for your unique situation.

Personalised Care: We believe that every patient is unique. Your journey with us will involve a tailored treatment plan that takes into account your individual needs, preferences, and goals.

Holistic Approach: We consider the whole picture – from your medical history to your lifestyle – to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses all aspects of your well-being.

Take the First Step towards a Steadier Future. You don't have to live with the frustration and limitations that balance problems and dizziness bring. The Balance Clinic is your partner in reclaiming your stability and improving your daily life. Contact us today to schedule your primary assessment and take the first step towards a steadier, more confident you.

Our primary assessment is meticulously designed to uncover the root causes of your very often not specific symptoms, providing a clear roadmap for your recovery. Led by a Consultant ENT Surgeon, our assessment is a multi-faceted approach that combines advanced diagnostic techniques and specialised expertise to ensure a thorough understanding of your condition.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed below alongside your dizziness, booking a Primary Assessment with us can help provide answers and guide you toward effective solutions:

Nausea or vomiting
Unsteadiness or disequilibrium
Leaning or veering to one side when walking
Fullness in the ears
Fluctuating hearing loss
Difficulties in crowded or busy environments
Repeated light-headedness
Spinning sensations or vertigo
Floating sensations
Sensations of being pushed or pulled
Blurred or double vision
Feeling confused or unable to coordinate movements
Brain fog
Anxiety or panic attacks
Headaches or migraines
Increased sensitivity to light and sound
Motion sickness
Neck pain
Tinnitus

Our Primary Assessment Process takes 90 min.

Formal Assessment by Consultant ENT Surgeon: Your journey begins with a detailed examination by a Consultant ENT Surgeon. With their extensive experience in treating balance-related disorders, they will gather crucial insights into your medical history, symptoms, and overall health.

Vestibular Testing by Specialist Audiologist: Our skilled Specialist Audiologist will conduct vestibular tests to assess the function of your inner ear and the pathways responsible for balance.

In-Depth Assessment: Our assessment encompasses a range of specialized tests, including:

Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT): This advanced test evaluates the function of your vestibular system by tracking your eye movements in response to head movements.
Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (MCTSIB): A comprehensive test to assess how different sensory inputs affect your balance.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Evaluation: Identifying the presence of BPPV, a common cause of vertigo and dizziness.
Blood Pressure Testing: Ensuring a holistic assessment by considering potential cardiovascular factors.
Cervical Spine Test: Exploring the connection between your neck and balance.
Falls Risk/Walking Assessment: Evaluating your risk of falls and your overall walking patterns.

Personalised Care and Follow-Up: Within seven days of your assessment, you will receive a telephone follow-up from the consultant ENT surgeon. This call will provide you with a detailed report, including the results of your tests, recovery plans, and recommended treatment options. If necessary, prescriptions will also be discussed.

Vestibular rehabilitation sessions: To aid your recovery, up to three scheduled vestibular rehabilitation sessions will be arrange - one per week. These sessions will be tailored to your needs, helping you regain your balance and confidence.

At the Balance Clinic, we are committed to your well-being. Our comprehensive primary assessment is the first step toward understanding your condition and regaining control over your life. Whether it's through state-of-the-art testing, expert consultations, or personalized rehabilitation, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

The Primary assessment costs £1200, flexible payment option is available.

An Advanced Assessment is a specialised evaluation that delves deeper into complex cases, ensuring an accurate understanding of your condition and is recommended exclusively by The Balance Clinic Team based on the results of your Primary Assessment, tailored to your unique needs.

Comprehensive Diagnostics and Tests take 150 minutes. Our advanced assessment expands on the foundation of the Primary Assessment, adding vital elements to create a more detailed picture of your condition.

MRI Scan (1 or 2 Parts): Utilising cutting-edge imaging technology, an MRI scan will provide a comprehensive view of the structures within your head and neck, aiding in uncovering potential underlying causes.

Vestibular Function Testing by Specialist Audiologist:

Videonystagmography (VNG): This advanced test analyses your eye movements during specific head and body movements, helping us understand how your vestibular system functions.
Bi-thermal Caloric Testing: By stimulating the inner ear with temperature changes, we can further assess the functionality of your vestibular system.
Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs): These tests measure the muscle responses in your neck and face, providing insights into the health of your inner ear.

Telephonic Follow-up by Consultant ENT Surgeon: Within seven days of your advanced assessment, a Consultant ENT Surgeon will reach out to you. This telephonic follow-up ensures that you receive a detailed report, including the results of all tests conducted during the advanced assessment. You'll also receive comprehensive recovery plans and recommended treatment options, which may include prescriptions if needed.

Collaborative Care and Onward Referrals: In situations where your condition warrants further expertise, we're prepared to extend our network. Our commitment to your well-being means that if needed, we can facilitate an onward referral to other consultants at both London Independent Hospital and Circle Health Group.

The Advanced Assessment offered by the Balance Clinic represents our dedication to your health and quality of life. By going beyond the basics, we're committed to providing you with the most accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment options available. Your journey to stability is our top priority.

Balance Clinics is open each Thursday at 5:30pm, 6:00pm and 6:30pm, book your Primary Assessment via phone at 020 7780 2419 or email: [email protected]

We offer flexible payment options via Chrysalis Finance, making private healthcare more affordable than you'd think. Find more on: flexible finance for private treatment

In recognition of the widespread impact of balance problems, UK national health authorities and organisations have provided valuable resources to help individuals understand and manage their conditions. The NHS (National Health Service) offers information on balance problems, their causes, and potential treatments on their official website. You can find more relevant information through the following links:

Additionally, Age UK provides insights into the common causes of balance issues in older adults, along with practical tips to help prevent falls. Explore more at Age UK Falls and Balance.