Difficulties with balance and dizziness are surprisingly common, affecting people of all ages. These can range from mild occasional unsteadiness to severe vertigo, which in some cases can be extremely disabling. Unsteadiness in older people is also widespread.

Patients with balance difficulties are referred either by their GPs or ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultants to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Audiology Centre (QEHAC) for assessment and help.

Assessment involves a series of balance tests to investigate the function of the balance system. Depending upon the results, doctors may then prescribe medication and in many cases we can offer a programme of balance rehabilitation to help with the recovery of the system.